Vatican City, May 12, 2013 / 12:30 pm
Pope Francis on Sunday canonized hundreds of fifteenth century Italian martyrs who died rather than renounce their Christian faith.
"The martyrs' faithfulness even unto death and the proclamation of the Gospel are rooted in the love of God that has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit," said Pope Francis during the May 12 canonization Mass at the Vatican.
He saw in their lives an inspiration for victims of persecution today.
"Let us ask God to sustain those many Christians who, in these times and in many parts of the world, right now, still suffer violence, and give them the courage and fidelity to respond to evil with good," the Pope said.