Vatican City, Sep 14, 2016 / 10:09 am
On Wednesday Pope Francis said Fr. Jacques Hamel, who was killed by supporters of the Islamic State while saying Mass in July, "is blessed now," according to Archbishop Dominique Lebrun of Rouen.
The Archdiocese plans, without a doubt, to open a process of beatification for Fr. Hamel, said Archbishop Lebrun, according to Religious Information Service.
Pope Francis' comments were made after he said Mass Sept. 14 at the Vatican in memory of Fr. Hamel. Archbishop Lebrun, Fr. Hamel's sister, and about 80 other pilgrims from Rouen were present.
Archbishop Lebrun, who was Fr. Hamel's bishop, asked the Pope if he would sign a photograph of the murdered priest for them to take to the three religious sisters who witnessed Fr. Hamel's murder, but were unable to travel to Rome for the Mass.