Oct 2, 2016 - 12:07 pm .- The French diocese of Rouen has officially begun an inquiry into the beatification of French priest Jacques Hamel, killed by Islamic extremists earlier this summer, after receiving a note from Pope Francis waiving the traditional five-year waiting period.

Sep 14, 2016 - 11:09 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.