Pope Francis Signs Decrees in Eight Sainthood Causes, Including Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Giuseppe Allamano
Pope Francis Signs Decrees for Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Others
In a significant announcement, Pope Francis has signed decrees clearing the way for the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young Italian computer programmer known for his devotion to the Eucharist and his work in promoting the faith through digital media. Alongside Acutis, the Pope also signed decrees for seven other sainthood causes, including that of Blessed Giuseppe Allamano, founder of the Consolata Missionaries.
The Vatican revealed that a consistory of cardinals will soon be convened in Rome to vote on approving the canonizations of Blessed Acutis and Blessed Allamano, as well as several other candidates. These include eight Franciscan friars and three Maronite laymen martyred in Syria in 1860, Canada-born Blessed Marie-Léonie Paradis, and Blessed Elena Guerra, an Italian nun who founded the Oblates of the Holy Spirit.
One of the most remarkable stories among the decrees is the recognition of a miraculous healing attributed to Blessed Allamano. Sorino Yanomami, an Indigenous man attacked by a jaguar in the Brazilian Amazon in 1996, made a remarkable recovery after prayers were offered by Consolata sisters and priests. This healing paved the way for Blessed Allamano’s canonization.
Additionally, Pope Francis signed a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to Italian Precious Blood Missionary Father Giovanni Merlini, leading to his beatification. The story of a 68-year-old Italian man’s rapid healing from severe health issues through Father Merlini’s intercession was deemed miraculous.
The decrees also included the recognition of martyrdom for Polish Father Stanislaw Kostka Streich and Hungarian laywoman Mária Magdolna Bódi, both killed for their faith in the 20th century. Their formal declarations of martyrdom set the stage for their beatifications.
Furthermore, three candidates were acknowledged for living the Christian virtues heroically, paving the way for their potential sainthood. These candidates include Italian Capuchin Father Guglielmo Gattiani, Spanish layman Ismael Molinero Novillo, and Italian layman Enrico Medi.
The signing of these decrees marks a significant step in the process of recognizing these individuals for their exemplary lives of faith and service to the Church. The upcoming canonizations and beatifications will serve as a source of inspiration for Catholics around the world, highlighting the diverse ways in which holiness can be lived out in today’s world.