Congregation for the Causes of Saints

The Latest

Pope Francis says a Mass of Beatification in St. Peter's Square, Oct. 19, 2014.

Surgeon and father among sainthood causes moving forward

Feb 27, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis recognized on Monday the heroic virtue of eight persons on the path to canonization, including an Italian surgeon... Read more

Mother Catalina de María Rodríguez.

This Argentine nun's cause for beatification is advancing

Jan 25, 2017

The theological commission of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints approved last week a miracle attributed to the intercession... Read more

Pope Francis says the Mass of Canonization for the Martins, Father Grossi, and Sister Maria in St. Peter's Square, Oct. 18, 2015.

The Vatican is changing how it verifies miracles

Sep 23, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

Changes to the regulations for confirming alleged miracles during the causes of saints aim to preserve the scientific rigor of... Read more

Venerable Alphonse Gallegos, who was auxiliary bishop of Sacramento from 1981 to 1991. Photo courtesy of the Order of Augustinian Recollects.

Why this bishop from the US is now one step closer to being a saint

Jul 15, 2016

On July 8 Pope Francis authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate a decree recognizing the heroic... Read more

Pope Francis in the Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace together with cardinals, June 27, 2015.

This layman who refuted Nazism was declared a martyr by Pope Francis

Jul 8, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Friday Pope Francis moved eight martyrs a step further on the path to sainthood, one of whom is Josef... Read more

The flags of Albania and Vatican City in Tirana, in preparation for Pope Francis' September, 2015 visit.

Pope opens the door for beatification of Albanian martyrs

Apr 27, 2016

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis on Tuesday gave the green light for the beatification of 38 Albanian martyrs, all of whom were killed... Read more

Pope Francis speaks at a consistory for the canonization of several blesseds at the Consistory Hall of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, June 27, 2015.

Pope Francis approves new rules for financial oversight of saints' causes

Mar 10, 2016

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis has issued new guidelines for ensuring financial transparency in advancing causes of beatification and canonization, requiring both an... Read more

L: Blessed José Luis Sánchez del Río. R: Paulina Gálvez Ávila holds her daughter, Ximena Guadalupe, who was cured through Bl.  José Luis' intercession. Photo via Facebook.

One family's unimaginable suffering paves the way for a teen's sainthood

Jan 29, 2016

The miraculous cure of a baby with brain damage through the intercession of Mexican martyr Blessed José Luis Sánchez del... Read more

Guerilla fighters of the Pathet Lao, the group which martyred Fr. Mario Borzaga and Paul Thoj Xyooj in Laos in April 1960, seen in Sam Nuea, 1953.

Vatican recognizes martyrdoms of missionary, lay catechist in communist Laos

May 6, 2015

During a private audience on Tuesday, Pope Francis advanced the causes of canonization of 12 potential saints, two of whom... Read more

Bl. Louis and Zelie Martin, whose intercession in a miracle was decreed March 18, 2015. Public Domain image.

Three laypersons among saints' causes advanced by Pope Francis

Mar 18, 2015

Pope Francis recognized on Wednesday the heroic virtue of seven persons on the path of canonization, including a young Italian... Read more

The statue of St. Peter at the square named for him in the Vatican.

Palestinian nuns among newly advanced causes for sainthood

Dec 11, 2014

By Ann Schneible

Pope Francis on Saturday approved the advancement in the causes for sainthood of eight men and women, including two Palestinian... Read more

John Paul I.

John Paul I's beatification cause may advance, cardinal says

Jul 23, 2014

A document advancing the beatification of John Paul I is ready, and will be given to the Congregation for the... Read more

Benedict XVI during Mass for the canonization of seven saints, Oct. 21, 2012.

Vatican seeks to cut cost of canonizations

Jan 21, 2014

In an effort to relieve inequalities among the causes of potential saints, steps are being taken to reduce the costs... Read more