On October 19, 2025, history unfolded in the heart of Vatican City as Pope Leo XIV joyously canonized seven new saints, marking a momentous occasion for millions of Catholics around the world. The papal proclamation took place in St. Peter’s Square, which was filled with an exhilarating crowd of approximately 70,000, showcasing the universal love and respect for these newly recognized holy figures, including two saints from Venezuela and one from Papua New Guinea.
Pope Leo XIV, in his spiritual reflection during the Canonization Mass, emphasized the saints’ pivotal roles in igniting faith across generations. “Today we have before us seven witnesses, the new saints, who with God’s grace kept the lamp of faith burning,” he expressed. The stories of these saints resonate deeply, showcasing profound personal sacrifices and unwavering commitment to their faith.
Among the newly canonized saints were St. José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros, fondly referred to as “the doctor of the poor,” and St. María del Carmen Rendiles Martínez, a trailblazing religious sister who, despite being born without her left arm, founded the Servants of Jesus in Caracas in 1965. Their lives serve as reminders of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of faith—a theme that was echoed throughout the celebratory event.
The crowd’s spirit was palpable as Venezuelan flags waved proudly in the air, their colorful displays representing a sense of national pride and collective hope. In addition to the saints from Venezuela, the canonization ceremony also honored St. Peter To Rot, an inspiring figure from Papua New Guinea, who courageously stood for Christian marriage during a tumultuous period of conflict.
Prominent among the honorees was St. Bartolo Longo, an Italian lawyer turned “apostle of the rosary,” whose dramatic conversion story illustrates the profound impact of faith on a person’s life trajectory. His journey back to the Church is a beautiful testament to hope, redemption, and the power of personal belief.
Three other saints were recognized as well, with one being Saint Maria Troncatti, a Salesian sister known for her decades of devoted service among Indigenous peoples in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest. Her missionary zeal and compassion would earn her the affectionate title “Madrecita” or “little mother.”
The canonization also coincided with World Mission Sunday, a day dedicated to celebrating and praying for missionaries worldwide. Before concluding the event, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the faithful to appreciate the tireless efforts of missionaries in spreading the Gospel, remarking, “The Church is entirely missionary, but today we pray especially for those men and women who left everything to bring the Gospel to those who do not know it.”
As the joyous day wrapped up, Pope Leo XIV issued a heartfelt appeal for peace, extending prayers for regions experiencing conflict, including Myanmar, the Holy Land, and Ukraine. His compassionate outreach underscores the Church’s dedication to fostering unity and serenity across global communities.
In summary, this landmark occasion not only highlighted the lives of the new saints but also reignited the fire of faith within the hearts of many. It emphasized the importance of resilience, the power of prayer, and the call to embrace a life of holiness. As we remember these inspiring figures, perhaps we too can reflect on our personal journeys of faith and strive to become beacons of hope for others.
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