Pope Leo XIV discusses sainthood at international congress

During an international congress on “Holiness in History” held in Rome from October 19 to 21, 2026, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the history of the world would be “poorer and less human” without saints. He stressed the importance of maintaining strict historical rigor during the canonization process.

The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, which oversees beatification and canonization, outlined the four current paths to being declared blessed: the heroism of virtues, martyrdom, the traditional path of equipollence for ancient causes, and a new category decreed by Pope Francis regarding the gift of life. Under this new category, an individual who gives their life for another may be declared blessed, provided a miracle is recognized.

In a separate event on September 25, 2026, during a vigil at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, the Pope addressed young people by stating, “You are the saints of France.” This remark sparked significant discussion and varied reactions across social media and religious communities.