Discover the Newest Beacons of Faith: Meet the 10 Latest Saints Canonized by the Vatican!

Holiness in Our Time: The Meaning of Canonization

Canonization is the solemn and definitive act by which the Catholic Church declares a person a saint. It is the universal recognition that the individual is in Heaven, interceding for us, and is worthy of public veneration throughout the Church. To become a saint, a blessed person generally requires a second proven miracle, attributed to their intercession after beatification. The process is rigorous and aims to guarantee the authenticity of a life of heroic virtue and the attributed miracles. Getting to know these most recent saints is seeing faith lived out in different eras and contexts, proving that the call to holiness is timeless and accessible to everyone.

The Journey to the Altars: The Church's Process

The path to official Church sainthood is detailed:

• Servant of God: The initial title after the cause is opened.

• Venerable: Recognition of heroic virtues.

• Blessed: Requires one proven miracle (usually an inexplicable healing), attributed to their intercession. It allows for local veneration.

• Saint: Requires a second proven miracle, which must occur after beatification. It allows for universal veneration.

Now, let's look at the inspiring stories of the 10 latest saints canonized or with confirmed canonization by the Vatican, presented from most recent to oldest.

1. Saint Carlo Acutis

The 'God's Influencer' of the Eucharist: Carlo Acutis (1991–2006) was a young Italian with an extraordinary passion for the Eucharist and digital evangelization. He used his computer talents to create a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles. His life, marked by profound faith and charity, was a testimony of holiness in the digital age, as he died of leukemia at 15. He is a model for young people today.

• Beatification: October 10, 2020

• Canonization: September 7, 2025

2. Saint Joseph Allamano

The Consolata Missionary Founder: Joseph Allamano (1851–1926) was an Italian priest who founded the Consolata Missionaries and the Consolata Missionary Sisters. He dedicated his life to missionary formation and evangelization in regions of Africa, particularly. His work continues to spread faith and service to the poorest in various parts of the world.

• Beatification: October 7, 1990

• Canonization Confirmed: October 20, 2024

3. Saint Elena Guerra

The 'Apostle of the Holy Spirit': Elena Guerra (1835–1914) was an Italian religious sister and foundress of the Oblate Sisters of the Holy Spirit. Recognized for her ardent devotion to the Holy Spirit, she was fundamental in the resurgence of this devotion in the Church, even corresponding with Pope Leo XIII. Her life is an invitation to rediscover the action of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

• Beatification: April 26, 1959

• Canonization Confirmed: October 20, 2024

4. Saint María Antonia of Saint Joseph, "Mama Antula"

The Tireless Evangelizer of Argentina: María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa (1730–1799), known as "Mama Antula," was an Argentine consecrated laywoman. After the expulsion of the Jesuits, she continued the work of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, traveling extensively on foot and founding retreat houses. Her courage and determination make her the first Argentine saint.

• Beatification: August 27, 2016

• Canonization: February 11, 2024

5. Saint Artemide Zatti

The Salesian Nurse of the Poor: Artemide Zatti (1880–1951) was an Italian immigrant who became a Salesian Brother in Argentina. As a nurse, he dedicated his life to the compassionate care of the sick, especially the most needy, traveling the streets by bicycle with joy and unwavering faith.

• Beatification: April 14, 2002

• Canonization: October 9, 2022

6. Saint Giovanni Battista Scalabrini

The Apostle and Father of Migrants: Giovanni Battista Scalabrini (1839–1905) was the Bishop of Piacenza, Italy. He founded the Scalabrinian Congregations to accompany, welcome, and evangelize migrants, serving as a pioneer and prophet for this vulnerable population.

• Beatification: November 9, 1997

• Canonization: October 9, 2022

7. Saint Titus Brandsma

The Martyr for Freedom and Faith: Anno Sjoerd Brandsma (1881–1942), a Dutch Carmelite priest, was a professor, journalist, and rector. He was martyred in the Dachau concentration camp for his courageous opposition to Nazism and defense of the freedom of the press and Christian values.

• Beatification: November 3, 1985

• Canonization: May 15, 2022

8. Saint Maria Domenica Mantovani

The Humble Servant of the Holy Family: Maria Domenica Mantovani (1862–1934) was the co-foundress and first Superior General of the Institute of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family. She dedicated herself tirelessly to the service of the poor, the sick, and to education, living the Gospel with humility and charity.

• Beatification: April 27, 2003

• Canonization: May 15, 2022

9. Saint Devasahayam Pillai

The First Canonized Lay Indian Martyr: Devasahayam Pillai (1712–1752), born Nilakandan Pillai, was a Hindu official in India who converted to Christianity. He faced severe persecution and was martyred for his faith, becoming a landmark for the Church in India.

• Beatification: December 2, 2012

• Canonization: May 15, 2022

10. Saint Marie Rivier

The Foundress of Education in Adversity: Marie Rivier (1768–1838) was a French religious sister who, despite health problems, founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary during the French Revolution. Her work was dedicated to the education of children and young people, especially the poorest.

• Beatification: May 23, 1982

• Canonization: May 15, 2022

The Inspiration That Comes From Heaven

The lives of these saints remind us that holiness is a universal call, accessible in all eras and in different vocations. They are beacons that guide us, intercessors who assist us, and examples that inspire us to live our faith with greater passion, charity, and dedication to God and neighbor.