Pope approves sainthood causes for 170+ martyrs, recognizes miracle by Spanish priest & heroic virtues of 4 Servants of God
Newsdesk (June 22, 2025, 18:06) gaudiumpress – Pope Leo XIV has authorized a series of decrees advancing the causes of sainthood for more than 170 individuals, including martyrs, a Spanish diocesan priest, a seminarian, and four Servants of God.
During a meeting on Friday with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the Pope approved the promulgation of multiple decrees recognizing miracles, martyrdom, and heroic virtues.
Miracle Attributed to Spanish Priest
Among the decrees was the recognition of a miracle through the intercession of Venerable Servant of God Salvador Valera Parra, a Spanish diocesan priest. Born in 1816 in Huércal-Overa, Spain, Fr. Parra served as archpriest and parish priest in his hometown, where he was known for his tireless pastoral work.
During cholera epidemics and devastating earthquakes in 1863, Fr. Parra provided critical aid to victims. He also collaborated with St. Teresa Jornet, founder of the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly, to establish a home for the elderly. A man of deep prayer, he promoted Eucharistic devotion and Marian piety, particularly to the Virgin of the Forsaken (Virgen de los Desamparados).
Martyrs of the Spanish Civil War
The Pope also recognized the martyrdom of Servants of God Manuel Izquierdo Izquierdo and 58 companions, priests and lay faithful from the Diocese of Jaén, Spain, who were killed “in odium fidei” (out of hatred for the faith) between 1936 and 1938 during the Spanish Civil War.
Similarly, the martyrdom of Fr. Antonio Montañés Chiquero and 64 companions, also from Jaén, was acknowledged. They were murdered between 1936 and 1937 for their faith.
French Martyrs of World War II
Another decree affirmed the martyrdom of Fr. Raimond Cayré, Br. Gerard Martin Cendrier (OFM), seminarian Roger Vallée, layman Jean Mestre, and 46 companions, who were killed in France between 1944 and 1945 out of hatred for their faith.
Heroic Virtues Recognized
Additionally, the Pope recognized the heroic virtues of four Servants of God:
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Raffaele Mennella (1877–1898), an Italian cleric of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts.
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João Luiz Pozzobon (1904–1985), a Brazilian permanent deacon.
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Teresa Tambelli (Maria Olga) (1884–1964), an Italian Daughter of Charity.
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Anna Fulgida Bartolacelli (1928–1993), an Italian laywoman of the Silent Workers of the Cross.
The decrees mark significant steps toward beatification and canonization for these individuals, highlighting their witness of faith, sacrifice, and service.
- Raju Hamukh with files from Vatican News
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