In a historic celebration at St. Peter’s Square on October 19, Pope Leo XIV canonized seven new saints — men and women from different corners of the world whose lives reflected extraordinary faith, compassion, and devotion to God. Their stories span continents and centuries, but all share one divine truth: holiness can be found in every life that chooses love over fear and service over self.

ST. BARTOLO LONGO

Once lost to darkness, Bartolo Longo’s journey stands as one of the most dramatic conversions in Church history. Born into a Catholic family in Italy, he strayed from the faith after his mother’s death and fell into satanism. Guided back by a compassionate priest, he renounced his past and devoted his life to Our Lady of the Rosary. As a Dominican layman, he founded the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompeii, spreading devotion to the Rosary across the world. His life is proof that grace can redeem even the deepest despair.

ST. JOSÉ GREGORIO HERNÁNDEZ

Known as the “Doctor of the Poor,” this Venezuelan physician embodied the Gospel through compassion. He provided free medical care to those in need and lived a life of scientific pursuit grounded in faith. His service ended tragically in 1919 when he was struck by a car while bringing medicine to an elderly woman. His canonization fulfills decades of devotion in Venezuela, where millions revere him as a healer of body and soul.

ST. IGNATIUS CHOUKRALLAH MALOYAN

A shepherd to his flock during one of history’s darkest times, Archbishop Ignatius Maloyan of Mardin faced persecution during the Armenian genocide of 1915. Arrested and tortured for his faith, he was offered freedom if he renounced Christianity. He refused, proclaiming, “If Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God, was crucified for me, why should I not die for Him?” He was executed with hundreds of his parishioners — a martyr whose courage continues to strengthen the Armenian Catholic faithful.

ST. MARÍA CARMEN RENDILES

Born without her right arm, Mother María Carmen Rendiles of Venezuela never allowed her physical limitation to define her. She founded the Servants of Jesus, dedicating her life to education, charity, and Eucharistic devotion. Her humility and joy inspired countless souls to trust in God’s providence. Her canonization affirms that holiness flourishes in quiet service and unwavering love.

ST. MARIA TRONCATTI

A Salesian missionary nurse from Italy, Maria Troncatti journeyed deep into the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador to serve the Shuar indigenous people. She healed wounds, taught the faith, defended women’s dignity, and strengthened families — all while living among those she served. Her life ended in a 1969 plane crash, but her final words still resonate: “A glance at the crucifix gives me the strength and courage to work.”

ST. PETER TO ROT

A lay catechist from Papua New Guinea, Peter To Rot fearlessly defended Christian marriage during the Japanese occupation in World War II. Despite threats and imprisonment, he continued to secretly minister to the faithful. He was martyred in 1945 for refusing to abandon his faith and is now celebrated as the first native Papuan saint, a symbol of courage and fidelity.

ST. VINCENZA MARIA POLONI

From Verona, Italy, Vincenza Maria Poloni devoted her life to the poor, the elderly, and the sick. She founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona, teaching that charity must be rooted in love. Her guiding words, “The poor are our masters; let us serve them as we would serve Jesus Christ Himself,” capture the essence of her sanctity — service born from humility and compassion.

A UNIVERSAL CELEBRATION OF SAINTHOOD

The canonization of these seven holy souls marks a powerful reminder of the Church’s global heart. From the rainforests of Ecuador to the streets of Caracas, from the battlefields of Armenia to the islands of Papua New Guinea — holiness thrives wherever faith takes root.

Their lives remind the world that sainthood is not bound by title, wealth, or circumstance. It is found in every act of mercy, every moment of forgiveness, and every soul that dares to love like Christ.