Pope Leo XIV Authorizes New Decrees Bringing Over 50 Closer to Sainthood Including 49 Martyrs of Spain and a European Nun Who Served in the USA



The path to sainthood has widened significantly following a landmark audience between Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Marcello Semeraro. In a sweeping authorization of new decrees, the Holy Father has elevated over 50 individuals to the threshold of the altars, recognizing their supreme sacrifices and extraordinary holiness.

Here is the breakdown of the vast group now advancing toward canonization:

A Great Cloud of Witnesses: The Martyrs

The most significant addition in terms of numbers is the recognition of a large group of martyrs who perished during the religious persecutions in Spain (1936). Their collective advancement emphasizes the "totality" of a faith maintained under fire:

  • The 50 Martyrs of Spain: This group includes Stanislao Ortega García and 48 companions from the Institute of the Brothers of Christian Instruction of Saint Gabriel, alongside diocesan priest Emanuel Berenguer Clusella. Their shared sacrifice in Catalonia stands as a unified testament to their "hatred of the faith" (in odium fidei).

The Offering of Life

The Pope also recognized the heroic self-gift of a contemporary lay witness:

  • Pietro Emanuele Salado Alba: A member of the “Hogar de Nazaret” association. His inclusion highlights the ongoing call to sanctity in the modern era, following his death in Ecuador in 2012.

The Recognition of Heroic Virtues

Three women from diverse backgrounds and centuries were also elevated to the status of Venerable, representing the global reach of the Church’s spiritual heritage:

Servant of GodBackgroundEra/Location
Maria Eletta of JesusDiscalced Carmelite17th Century (Italy/Prague)
Maria Teresa of the Most Holy TrinityCarmelite of the Divine Heart of Jesus20th Century (Netherlands/USA)
Maria Raffaella De GiovannaFounder, Tertiary Minim Sisters of St. Francis20th Century (Italy)

Summary of Impact: This single act by Pope Leo XIV moves a total of 54 Servants of God closer to official Sainthood, marking one of the most substantial advancements of causes in recent Vatican history.

Source: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2026/04/27/0347/00693.html 

Image Vatican Media File photo from an audience

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