Canonization Archives

Pope approves canonizations, but doesn’t set date because of pandemic

May 3, 2021

The sainthood causes of seven men and women — including the hermit Blessed Charles de Foucauld and the Indian martyr Devasahayam Pillai — cleared their final hurdle May 3 during an “ordinary public consistory,” a meeting of the pope, cardinals and promoters of sainthood causes that formally ends the sainthood process.

By Cindy Wooden

Pope proclaims sainthood of venerated Dominican laywoman

Apr 26, 2021

Pope Francis issued a decree declaring the sainthood of Blessed Margaret of Città di Castello, a much-loved Italian Dominican laywoman.

By Junno Arocho Esteves

Should abuse scandals make Church ‘wait and see’ on sainthood causes?

Dec 19, 2020

According to one University of Notre Dame professor, the revelations of the Holy See’s report on laicized ex-cardinal Theodore McCarrick and the totality of the clergy sex abuse crisis are grounds enough to increase the number of years after a person dies before a sainthood cause can be opened.

By John Lavenburg

Meet the answer to maybe the greatest Catholic bar bet of all time

Aug 13, 2020

Excommunication generally is considered the ultimate punishment in the Church, but it turns out, just like in the movie “Spinal Tap,” there’s actually an 11 beyond the usual 1-10.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Vatican drops ‘caste name’ of Blessed Devasahayam when announcing miracle

Feb 25, 2020

A Vatican decree this weekend announced a miracle had been approved for Blessed Devasahayam, clearing the way for his canonization. However, when Devasahayam was declared a Blessed in 2012, the name used was Devasahayam Pillai.

By Nirmala Carvalho

Canonization cause begins for southern Louisiana’s ‘Catholic heroes’

Jan 15, 2020

Hundreds gathered in Lafayette, Louisiana last Saturday to witness an exceedingly rare occurrence: The opening of multiple canonization causes during a single ceremony.

By Nick Mayrand

Canonization sought for disability institute founder

Dec 17, 2019

The bishop of Erie has announced the opening of the canonization process for Gertrude Barber, founder of what is now called the Barber National Institute for adults and children with disabilities.

By Associated Press

Nun’s canonization delays vote on Brazil’s social security reform bill

Oct 10, 2019

The canonization of the first Brazilian-born female saint is making headlines across the country, putting news coverage of the country’s current political and economic difficulties on the backburner.

By Lise Alves