Pope Leo XIV has approved a series of decrees that will lead to the beatification of twelve individuals whose lives reflected heroic faith, sacrifice, and service to the Church, according to Vatican News.
The Holy Father authorized the decrees on December 18 during an audience with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Among those to be beatified are eleven martyrs from Spain who were killed during the Spanish Civil War, as well as an Argentinian layman and family father whose life of faith extended into the world of business and social responsibility.
An Urgent Message from Sister Sara – Please Watch
According to Vatican News, the Spanish martyrs include “nine seminarians, a diocesan priest, and a layman” who were murdered between 1936 and 1937 during a period of intense anti-Catholic persecution. Their deaths occurred within the territories of today’s dioceses of Madrid, Getafe, and Alcalá de Henares.
One of the seminarians, Ignatius Aláez Vaquero, was arrested after refusing to enlist and choosing instead to continue his studies for the priesthood. Vatican News reports that he was killed alongside his father on November 9, 1936. Other martyrs include seminarian Pablo Chomón Pardo and his uncle, priest Julio Pardo Pernía, who were executed on August 8, 1936, as well as Antonio Moralejo Fernández-Shaw and his father, Liberato Moralejo Juan, who “allowed himself to be arrested in order to defend his son and was killed with him.”
Several other seminarians were targeted simply for living out their faith. Vatican News recounts that Cástor Zarco García, who had been forced to enlist as a reservist, was denounced by fellow soldiers because his conduct was deemed “too mild.” He was later murdered after suffering humiliation and being compelled to dig his own grave.
The Vatican confirmed that all eleven Spanish martyrs were killed “out of hatred for the faith,” emphasizing that documentation demonstrates their conscious willingness to give their lives for God amid the violent persecution of the Church.
Also approved for beatification is Enrique Ernesto Shaw, a layman from Argentina whose life stands as a witness to holiness within family life and professional leadership. Born in Paris in 1921 and later raised in Buenos Aires, Shaw lived a deep Catholic faith that shaped every stage of his life.
According to Vatican News, Shaw joined the Navy as a young man and used long sea voyages to lead catechesis meetings for fellow sailors. Later, while working in his family’s business, he sought to apply Catholic social teaching by fostering “a fraternal relationship of collaboration with all his workers.”
Married to Cecilia Bunge and the father of nine children, Shaw was actively involved in Catholic Action and the Christian Family Movement. He also served as president of Hombres de Acción Católica and published numerous articles and essays related to faith and labor. He died of cancer in 1961.
His beatification was made possible through the recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession. Vatican News reports that a five-year-old boy who suffered severe skull and brain injuries after being kicked by a horse experienced a sudden and complete recovery, with medical experts later confirming the child’s full neurological health.
In addition to the future Blesseds, Pope Leo XIV also recognized the heroic virtues of three individuals who are now declared Venerable.
Fra Berardo Atonna, an Italian Franciscan priest born in 1843, was noted for his intense spiritual life, devotion to prayer, and service to the poor. Vatican News describes him as deeply Christ-centered and Marian in his spirituality, with a particular devotion to St. Joseph and a life marked by confidence in divine mercy.
Sister Domenica Caterina dello Spirito Santo, born Teresa Solari, was an Italian religious who endured great hardship early in life before founding a charitable work for destitute young women. According to Vatican News, her mission grew into the Piccola Casa della Divina Provvidenza, rooted in simple faith, Marian devotion, and care for those in need.
The third newly declared Venerable is Father Joseph Panjikaran, an Indian priest from the Syro-Malabar Church. Vatican News notes that he devoted his priestly life to serving the poor and marginalized, overcoming rigid caste divisions through charity and perseverance. His legacy includes the founding of a hospital for the free care of the poor and a religious congregation dedicated to medical service.
Together, these causes highlight the universal call to holiness—lived out through martyrdom, family life, religious service, and works of mercy—affirming the Church’s witness across cultures, vocations, and generations, according to Vatican News.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
