Pope Leo XIV will canonize seven new saints on October 19, including individuals recognized for their faith, sacrifice, and social justice contributions, such as a former Satanist turned evangelist, martyrs, and dedicated laypeople from various countries.
Pope Leo XIV commemorated modern Christian martyrs, emphasizing their role in uniting Christians across denominations through their witness of faith and love, and highlighted the ongoing persecution of Christians worldwide, urging believers to draw inspiration from their sacrifices to promote peace and unity.
Pope Leo XIV led an ecumenical service honoring 21st-century martyrs, emphasizing that their sacrifice continues to inspire faith and unity among Christians despite ongoing persecution, and calling for courage and solidarity to build a more peaceful world.
Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow over a deadly attack on a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where nearly 40 people were killed by rebels, and called for the blood of the martyrs to inspire peace and reconciliation in the region.
Pope Francis has established the "Commission for the New Martyrs - Witnesses of the Faith" within the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, with the objective of creating a catalogue of all Christians who have sacrificed their lives to confess Christ and bear witness to the Gospel. The Commission will continue the search for Witnesses of the Faith in the present and future, expanding beyond the Catholic Church to include all Christian denominations. The Pope emphasized the importance of recognizing and remembering these martyrs, who continue to demonstrate the vitality of Baptism and the power of faith in challenging contexts. The Commission will collaborate with various Christian entities to gather testimonies and create a comprehensive record of Christian martyrdom.