Five New Saints Canonized By Pope Benedict XVI

April 26, 2009 should be a historical day for Catholicism and the Vatican as Pope Benedict XVI has named five new saints. Of all five, only one is not Italian.

Today should be an exciting, interesting, and very historical day in the world of Catholicism. For Catholics, this should be something that is extremely historical. Pope Benedict XVI has named five new popes. Of all five of them, one of them is not Italian. The non-Italian to be named a new saint is Nuno Alvares Pereira. An article on TIME Magazine’s website gives a brief history on the five people canonized for Catholic sainthood. Pereira was beatified in 1918 by Pope Benedict XV. During the 1383-1385 Crisis, Pereira was a known war hero. He entered the military at a young age. After military life, he devoted himself to a life of religion. Also named a saint would be Reverend Arcangelo Tadini. Tadini is known for creating an order of nuns to assist the factory workers. Also, Tadini was instrumental for a system that gives emergency loans to workers falling on hard financial times. In regards to Tadini, Benedict XVI cited the current situation of the world’s economic crisis. Benedict XVI would also name Bernardo Tolomei. Tolomei is known for the Congregation of St. Mary of the Mount of Olives. The actual name is the “Roman Catholic Congregation of the Blessed Virgin of Monte Oliveto.” At first, Tolomei wanted to enter the religious life. However, his father would not let him. Tolomei’s main field would be law and theology. He also served in the military. However, he was accused of heresy as well. These are three notable historical figures who Benedict XVI has named as saints. The other two are Italian nuns Gertrude Comensoli and Cateria Volpicelli. These are the first five people to be canonized as saints under the leadership of Benedict XVI. For now, these are the five that will be canonized as saints under Pope Benedict XVI. Some questions should be asked: Will Benedict XVI canonize more saints? If so, who will Benedict XVI canonize into saints? Will Benedict XVI beatify anybody for sainthood? If so, who and how many? It could be a happy time for Portugal because of this. According to the article on TIME Magazine’s website, Pereira is considered a national hero. In short, a national hero of the country has been named a saint.