Holy Father Pope Francis During a talk with the pastors of the parishes of Rome, indicated that Paul VI would be canonized this year. In his homily for the closing Mass for the Extraordinary Synod on the Family, during which he had beatified Paul VI, His Holiness Pope Francis referred to his predecessor as a great Pope, and a tireless Apostle, courageous in his humble and prophetic witness of love for Christ and his Church.
As reported by Vatican Radio, Holy Father Pope Francis remarked that “Paul VI will be a saint this year. More than 80 popes are recognized as saints by the Catholic Church. Several others have active causes including Pius IX who, like Paul VI, has already been beatified and Pius XII, whose heroic virtues have been recognized, making him Venerable.
His Holiness Pope Francis concluded his remarks mentioning the cause of John Paul I, who is also Venerable, and whose cause is ongoing.
