8 sainthood causes advance (Vatican Press Office)

Pope Francis approved decrees on the causes of the martyrdoms of 3 Capuchin Franciscans (Spain, 1936) and 10 priests and lay faithful slain in Guatemala (1980-1991), paving the way for their beatification. In addition, the Pontiff approved decrees recognizing the heroic virtues of a bishop, a cathedral canon, 3 diocesan priests, and a nun; each may now be called “venerable.”