Full Breakdown
Pope Leo XIV Canonizes Seven New Saints, Including a Former Satanist
10/22/2025, 1:33:58 AM
Canonization Ceremony Overview
On October 19, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized seven new saints during a ceremony at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, attended by approximately 70,000 people. This event marked the second canonization ceremony of Leo's papacy, bringing the total number of canonized individuals to nine since his appointment earlier that year. Among the newly canonized was Bartolo Longo, a former Satanist who converted to Catholicism and became known for his dedication to the rosary and social justice.
Profiles of the New Saints
The newly canonized saints include:
- St. Bartolo Longo (1841-1926): An Italian lawyer who initially embraced Satanism before converting back to Catholicism. Longo founded the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii and dedicated his life to charitable works.
- St. Peter To Rot (1912-1945): A lay catechist from Papua New Guinea who was martyred during World War II for his Christian faith. He is recognized as the first saint from Papua New Guinea.
- St. José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros (1864-1919): A Venezuelan physician known as "the doctor of the poor," who provided free medical care and was killed in an accident while helping a patient.
- St. María del Carmen Rendiles Martínez (1903-1977): The first female saint from Venezuela, she founded the Congregation of the Servants of Jesus and was known for her service to the poor despite being born without a left arm.
- St. Ignatius Choukrallah Maloyan (1869-1915): An Armenian Catholic archbishop who was martyred during the Armenian genocide for refusing to renounce his faith.
- St. Vincenza Maria Poloni (1802-1855): An Italian nun who founded the Sisters of Mercy of Verona and served the poor during the cholera epidemic.
- St. Maria Troncatti (1883-1969): A Salesian missionary in Ecuador who dedicated her life to serving the Indigenous Shuar people.
Significance of the Canonization
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of faith and justice in his homily, stating, “God grants justice to all, giving his life for all.” He described the new saints as "authentic men and women" who exemplified faith through their actions and sacrifices. The canonization coincided with World Mission Sunday, highlighting the Church's commitment to missionary work and the importance of spreading the Gospel.
Official Statements & Responses
During the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV remarked, “Today we have before us seven witnesses, the new Saints, who, with God's grace, kept the lamp of faith burning.” He encouraged the faithful to draw inspiration from the lives of the new saints, particularly in times of suffering and doubt.
Criticism & Opposition
While the canonization was celebrated by many, some critics argue that the Church's focus on canonizing individuals with controversial pasts, such as Longo's former Satanism, may dilute the sanctity associated with sainthood. However, supporters contend that Longo's transformation exemplifies the power of redemption and faith.
What's Next
The canonization of these new saints is expected to inspire further discussions on the role of faith in contemporary society and the Church's mission in addressing social issues. Pope Leo XIV's call for peace, particularly in conflict zones like Myanmar and Ukraine, underscores the ongoing relevance of the Church's teachings in today's world.
