Pope Leo: Be Inspired to Imitate the New Saints

Vatican, October 20, 2025: Pope Leo XIV addressed pilgrims in Rome gathered for the recent canonisation of seven new saints, describing them as signs of hope and examples for all the faithful.

Pope at Canonisation Mass: Saints Keep the Light of Faith Burning

Following the canonisation of seven new saints in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV spoke to pilgrims who had travelled from across the world for the event. He said the celebration reminded the faithful that “the communion of the Church embraces all believers across space and time, in every language and culture, uniting us as the People of God, the Body of Christ, and the living temple of the Holy Spirit.”

Reflecting on the new saints, the Pope emphasised that their lives were wholly offered in love for Christ and others, describing them as “radiant signs of hope.” He affirmed that holiness is a calling shared by all.

Saint Ignatius Maloyan

Pope Leo first recalled Bishop Ignatius Maloyan, martyred in Armenia, calling him “a pastor after Christ’s own heart.” During times of persecution, the Bishop strengthened his flock rather than abandoning them. When asked to renounce his faith for freedom, he chose God, even to the shedding of his blood.

Reflecting on “the Armenian people, who carve the cross into stone as a sign of their firm and enduring faith,” the Pope prayed that Saint Ignatius’ intercession might renew believers’ fervour and bring reconciliation and peace.

Saint Peter To Rot

Turning to the new saint of Papua New Guinea, the Pope reflected on Saint Peter To Rot as an example of steadfastness. An ordinary catechist, he risked his life to continue pastoral work secretly during the Second World War and defended the sanctity of marriage against polygamy, confronting powerful authorities when necessary.

Recalling the saint’s words — “This is a very bad time for us and we are all afraid. But God our Father is with us” — Pope Leo urged the faithful to defend the truths of faith and to trust God in every trial.

Venezuelan Saints

Celebrating Saint José Gregorio Hernández and Saint Carmen Rendiles, both from Venezuela, the Pope highlighted their heroic virtues of faith, hope, and charity, inviting the faithful to look to them for guidance. He reminded listeners that faith transforms ordinary life into light for others; hope assures us that struggles are not for fleeting ends; and charity, born from receiving God’s gift, calls us to serve the sick, the poor, and the marginalised.

He encouraged those present to see in those around them “brothers and sisters called to the same holiness,” and to walk together in building God’s Kingdom with joy.

Saint Maria Troncatti and Saint Vincenza Maria Poloni

Speaking of Saint Maria Troncatti, a Salesian missionary in Ecuador, Pope Leo noted that she healed both bodies and hearts through love drawn from faith and prayer. Saint Vincenza Maria Poloni, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, embodied Christ’s compassion for the sick and marginalised. Their lives, he said, show that holiness flourishes in service to the fragile.

Saint Bartolo Longo

Finally, the Pope spoke of Saint Bartolo Longo, who once distanced himself from faith before devoting his life to works of mercy for orphans, the poor, and the desperate, and promoting devotion to the Rosary. Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to follow this example and contemplate Christ’s mysteries through Mary’s eyes.

Concluding his address, Pope Leo urged the faithful to return to their homelands “with hearts full of gratitude and the desire to imitate the new Saints.”