Pope Leo to Canonise Former Satanist Among Six Others

Vatican City, October 17, 2025 — St Peter’s Square will witness a historic celebration as Pope Leo XIV canonises seven blesseds whose lives of faith and service span continents and centuries on October 19th. Among them are a Venezuelan physician revered as the “doctor of the poor” and an Italian lawyer whose dramatic conversion from a satanic priest to a devoted apostle of the Rosary has captivated the faithful worldwide.

The Holy See Press Office announced the canonisations, approved during Pope Leo’s first consistory, further affirming his emphasis on modern lay witnesses of faith. This follows his earlier recognition of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, both celebrated for their exemplary Christian lives.

The new saints include Jose Gregorio Hernández, the Venezuelan doctor remembered for his care of the poor; Maria del Carmen Rendiles Martínez, founder of the Sisters Servants of Jesus; Ignatius Shoukrallah Maloyan, the Armenian archbishop martyred during the Ottoman genocide; Peter To Rot, the Papua New Guinean catechist executed in World War II; Vincenza Maria Poloni, founder of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona; and Maria Troncatti, the Salesian missionary who served among Ecuador’s Shuar people.

Yet it is Bartolo Longo’s extraordinary journey from darkness to deep devotion that has captured widespread attention ahead of the ceremony. Once a satanic priest, Longo experienced a profound conversion that led him to champion the Rosary and dedicate his life to promoting Marian devotion.

The canonisation Mass is expected to draw thousands of pilgrims to St Peter’s Square, echoing the spirit of past solemn celebrations. Through these seven new saints, the Church renews its message of conversion, mercy, and hope—offering light to a world in search of meaning and compassion.

Source Credits : Shalom World News

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