Pope Francis Advances Eight Sainthood Causes, Including Martyrdom and Miracles

Pope Francis Advances Eight Sainthood Causes, Including Brother of St. Gianna Beretta Molla

In a significant move, Pope Francis advanced eight sainthood causes on December 14, including the cause of St. Gianna Beretta Molla’s brother, Capuchin Father Alberto Beretta. Father Beretta, a physician like his sister, died in 2001 and was a missionary in Brazil for 20 years before returning to Italy due to health issues.

During a meeting with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, the pope signed decrees recognizing the miracles needed for the beatifications of Mexican Missionary of the Holy Spirit Father Moisés Lira Serafín and Spanish Discalced Carmelite Sister Ana de Lobera Torres. Additionally, the pope signed decrees recognizing the martyrdom of five men, including two Xaverian Missionary priests, a Xaverian missionary brother, a diocesan priest in Congo in 1964, and Ján Havlík, a Vincentian seminarian in Slovakia in the 1950s and ’60s.

The pope also signed separate decrees recognizing the heroic Christian virtue of Ernesto Guglielmo Cofiño Ubico, a Guatemalan pediatrician and member of Opus Dei, and Francesca Lancellotti, a wife and mother known for her generosity to the poor and spiritual counsel.

These advancements in sainthood causes highlight the diverse and inspiring lives of individuals who have lived out their faith in extraordinary ways. The recognition of these individuals by the pope serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life of virtue and service to others.