Seven New Saints: Pope Leo XIV Canonizes Inspirational Figures of Faith of Our Time

Next Sunday, October 19, on the occasion of the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Pope Leo XIV will preside at 10:30 a.m. on the forecourt of St. Peter’s Basilica over the Eucharistic Celebration with the Rite of Canonization of seven new saints.

Men and women from different eras and parts of the world, witnesses of heroic faith, will be raised to the altars: Ignatius Maloyan, Peter To Rot, Vincenza Maria Poloni, María Carmen Rendiles Martínez, Maria Troncatti, José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros, and Bartolo Longo.

The New Saints:

Ignatius Maloyan (1869–1915)

Armenian Catholic Archbishop and martyr during the Armenian genocide, he was killed for refusing to renounce his faith. He symbolizes fidelity to the Gospel even unto death and forgiveness toward his persecutors.

Peter To Rot (1912–1945)

Lay catechist from Papua New Guinea, imprisoned and killed for continuing to witness to the Gospel and defend Christian marriage under Japanese occupation. He is an example of courage and faithfulness in times of persecution.

Vincenza Maria Poloni (1802–1855)

Italian religious sister, founder of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona. She dedicated her life to serving the sick, the poor, and the most vulnerable, with a humble and quiet charity.

María Carmen Rendiles Martínez (1903–1977)

Venezuelan religious sister, founder of the Handmaids of Jesus. She was a woman of deep prayer and apostolic dedication, with strong educational and social commitment, especially toward women.

Maria Troncatti (1883–1969)

Italian Salesian missionary among the Shuar people in Ecuador. She worked as a nurse, educator, and peacemaker, combining medical skill with evangelizing witness in the most remote areas of the Amazon.

José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros (1864–1919)

Venezuelan doctor, nicknamed “the doctor of the poor.” He lived his profession as a vocation in service of the most needy, combining science and faith in an exemplary way. He is widely loved throughout Latin America.

Bartolo Longo (1841–1926)

Italian lawyer, converted after a period of involvement with occultism, he became a great promoter of the Rosary and founder of the Shrine of Pompei. He dedicated his life to educating young people and spreading Marian devotion.