Brief Overview
- The canonization of saints under Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis totals 1,375 individuals, marking a significant increase compared to earlier pontificates.
- This large number reflects a deliberate emphasis on the universal call to holiness, a key teaching from the Second Vatican Council.
- Pope John Paul II began this trend, aiming to show that holiness is attainable for all people, not just clergy or religious.
- Pope Benedict XVI continued this focus, highlighting that saints demonstrate the possibility of living a virtuous life in any circumstance.
- Pope Francis has further expanded canonizations, often recognizing those who lived humble, service-oriented lives.
- Together, these popes have used canonizations to inspire Catholics worldwide to pursue holiness in their everyday lives.
Detailed Response
The Universal Call to Holiness
The foundation for the high number of canonizations under Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis lies in the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. This council, held from 1962 to 1965, emphasized that holiness is not reserved for a select few but is a calling for all members of the Church. The document Lumen Gentium, particularly its chapter on the universal call to holiness, became a guiding light for these popes. It states that every Christian, regardless of their state in life, is invited to pursue the perfection of charity. Pope John Paul II saw this as a mandate to highlight examples of holiness across all walks of life. By canonizing 482 saints during his pontificate, he sought to make this teaching concrete. His actions were not random but rooted in a theological vision. He believed that showcasing diverse saints would encourage ordinary Catholics to strive for sanctity. This approach marked a shift from earlier centuries when canonizations were fewer and often focused on clergy or martyrs. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reinforces this idea, noting that all are called to holiness through their union with Christ (CCC 2013).
Pope Benedict XVI built on this foundation during his pontificate, canonizing 45 saints. He often spoke about how the saints serve as models of Christian living. In a general audience, he explained that the Church commemorates saints to show that holiness is possible for everyone. He emphasized that these individuals lived charity fully, following Christ in their daily routines. Benedict saw the saints as a bridge between God and humanity, reflecting divine love in practical ways. His selections often included figures from various backgrounds, reinforcing the idea that sanctity transcends social or cultural boundaries. This approach aligned with Vatican II’s vision of a Church where all members contribute to its holiness. Benedict’s scholarly background also influenced his focus on saints as teachers of faith. He wanted Catholics to see that limitations or weaknesses do not disqualify one from holiness. His canonizations were a continuation of John Paul II’s mission to make holiness visible and relatable.
Pope Francis, who has canonized 848 saints as of April 1, 2025, has taken this mission further by emphasizing the holiness of ordinary life. His pontificate has highlighted people who lived quietly heroic lives, often in service to the poor or marginalized. Francis has spoken about the “saints next door,” those unrecognized by the world but known to God. This perspective reflects his pastoral approach, focusing on mercy and humility as paths to sanctity. He has canonized large groups, such as the 800 martyrs of Otranto, alongside individuals like Mother Teresa. His choices show that holiness can emerge in both dramatic and subtle ways. Francis has also streamlined the canonization process, making it more accessible for cases to be considered. This practical shift has contributed to the high number of saints under his leadership. His actions echo the Vatican II call for all to live out their faith authentically. The Catechism supports this, stating that holiness grows through acts of love and service (CCC 2014).
Why So Many Saints?
The sheer volume of canonizations under these three popes—1,375 in total—raises the question: why so many? One answer lies in their shared goal to demonstrate that holiness is not rare or exceptional. John Paul II often said that the Church needs saints to show the world God’s presence. He believed that canonizing many individuals would inspire Catholics to see sanctity as achievable. His pontificate included saints from every continent, age group, and profession, breaking the mold of traditional saintly profiles. This diversity was intentional, meant to reflect the global nature of the Church. By recognizing so many, he aimed to prove that holiness is a universal possibility, not confined to monasteries or cathedrals. The saints he canonized included laypeople, parents, and young adults, not just priests or nuns. This approach challenged the idea that sanctity requires extraordinary circumstances. It also aligned with Lumen Gentium’s teaching that the faithful grow in holiness through their everyday duties.
Benedict XVI added depth to this mission by focusing on the saints as witnesses to Christ. He saw their lives as proof that the Gospel can be lived fully in any era. During his pontificate, he canonized figures like Hildegard of Bingen, a medieval mystic, and Kateri Tekakwitha, a Native American convert. These choices showed that holiness spans history and cultures. Benedict emphasized that saints are not perfect in a worldly sense but are transformed by God’s grace. He wanted Catholics to understand that sanctity does not depend on human strength alone. His relatively smaller number of canonizations compared to John Paul II or Francis reflects his more reserved style. Yet, each one carried a message about the universal call to holiness. Benedict’s teachings often linked the saints to the Church’s liturgical life, encouraging believers to draw strength from their example. This perspective reinforced the idea that many saints are needed to reflect the breadth of God’s work in humanity.
Francis has taken a practical approach to answering “why so many saints?” by focusing on those who embody mercy and service. His canonizations often highlight people who faced poverty, persecution, or hardship with faith. For example, he canonized Oscar Romero, a bishop martyred for defending the poor, and the children of Fatima, who received visions of Mary. These figures show that holiness can emerge in both public and private spheres. Francis believes that recognizing many saints reminds the Church of its mission to the world. His emphasis on large group canonizations, like the martyrs of Otranto, underscores that holiness often occurs in community. This reflects Vatican II’s vision of the Church as the “People of God,” where sanctity is a collective witness. Francis has also used canonizations to address contemporary issues, such as justice and peace. By doing so, he shows that saints are not relics of the past but guides for today. The Catechism notes that the saints intercede for us, strengthening the Church’s holiness (CCC 956).
The Purpose of Canonization
Canonization serves a specific purpose in the Catholic Church: to hold up individuals as certain models of holiness. Under John Paul II, this purpose expanded to include a broader range of examples. He wanted to show that saints are not distant figures but people who lived like us. His canonizations often came with detailed biographies, highlighting their struggles and virtues. This made their stories accessible to modern Catholics. John Paul II saw canonization as a way to evangelize, spreading the Gospel through real lives. He believed that each saint’s story could teach something unique about following Christ. For instance, he canonized Gianna Beretta Molla, a mother who sacrificed her life for her unborn child. Her story spoke to families and medical professionals alike. The process of canonization, though rigorous, became a tool to inspire faith under his leadership.
Benedict XVI viewed canonization as a theological act, revealing God’s grace at work. He emphasized that saints are not self-made but are shaped by divine love. His canonizations often included figures with intellectual or spiritual depth, like John Henry Newman. Benedict wanted the faithful to see that holiness involves both heart and mind. He also saw saints as part of the Church’s living tradition, connecting past and present. This perspective gave his canonizations a reflective tone, inviting Catholics to learn from history. Benedict’s approach was less about numbers and more about meaning. Each saint he recognized carried a lesson for the Church. His pontificate showed that canonization is not just a reward but a call to imitation. This aligns with Lumen Gentium’s teaching that saints manifest the Church’s holiness to the world.
Francis has used canonization to emphasize the Church’s mission of mercy. He often speaks of saints as companions on the path to God. His choices, like canonizing the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, show that holiness can be quiet and domestic. Francis sees canonization as a way to encourage the faithful to live their faith boldly. He has also highlighted saints from marginalized groups, reflecting his concern for the periphery. This approach makes sanctity feel immediate and relevant. Francis believes that canonizing many saints keeps the Church focused on its purpose: to bring people closer to God. His pontificate shows that saints are not just for veneration but for motivation. The Catechism supports this, stating that the saints’ lives spur us to grow in virtue (CCC 2030). Together, these popes have used canonization to answer the universal call to holiness with a resounding “yes.”
Inspiring the Faithful
One key reason for so many canonizations is to inspire Catholics to pursue holiness themselves. John Paul II famously urged young people, “Do not be afraid to be saints!” He believed that seeing others achieve sanctity would encourage believers to try. His canonizations included young saints like José Sánchez del Río, a teenage martyr. These figures showed that age or status does not limit holiness. John Paul II wanted the faithful to see saints as friends and helpers, not unreachable ideals. His global travels often included canonization ceremonies, bringing the saints’ stories to local communities. This made holiness feel personal and possible. By canonizing so many, he created a vast network of examples for Catholics to follow. The Church teaches that saints intercede for us, making their presence a source of strength (Hebrews 12:1).
Benedict XVI also aimed to inspire through canonizations, though in a more contemplative way. He often linked the saints to prayer and liturgy, showing their role in the Church’s spiritual life. His canonization of figures like Damien of Molokai, who served lepers, highlighted selflessness as a path to holiness. Benedict wanted Catholics to see that saints overcome human weakness through faith. His teachings emphasized that holiness is a gift from God, not a human achievement. This message was meant to reassure believers that they, too, can grow in sanctity. Benedict’s canonizations were fewer, but each one carried a call amendments action. He saw the saints as lights guiding the faithful toward Christ. This reflects the Church’s belief that holiness builds up the entire community (CCC 1475). His approach encouraged a deeper, personal response to the saints’ witness.
Francis has made inspiration a cornerstone of his canonizations, often tying them to everyday life. He speaks of saints as people who show us how to love God and neighbor. His canonization of figures like Dulce Lopes Pontes, who cared for Brazil’s poor, offers practical models for today. Francis wants Catholics to see that holiness is not about grand gestures but consistent faith. His “saints next door” concept invites everyone to recognize sanctity around them. This approach demystifies holiness, making it a goal within reach. Francis’s large number of canonizations floods the Church with examples, urging action over apathy. He often ties saints to current challenges, like poverty or migration, showing their relevance. The Church teaches that the saints cheer us on, forming a “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). Through these canonizations, Francis calls the faithful to join their ranks.
A Global Witness
The high number of canonizations also serves to reflect the Church’s global identity. John Paul II was the first non-Italian pope in centuries and brought a worldwide perspective to his pontificate. He canonized saints from Asia, Africa, and the Americas, not just Europe. Figures like Augustine Zhao Rong, a Chinese martyr, showed that holiness knows no borders. This global focus mirrored Vatican II’s vision of a universal Church. John Paul II wanted to affirm that every culture can produce saints. His canonizations celebrated the diversity of the faithful while uniting them in faith. This approach also strengthened local Churches, giving them heroes to honor. By recognizing so many, he made the Church’s holiness visible across the world. The Catechism notes that the saints’ variety reflects God’s glory in humanity (CCC 2683).
Benedict XVI continued this global witness, though with a focus on historical depth. His canonizations included saints from early Christianity to modern times, like Nuno Álvares Pereira of Portugal. He saw the saints as proof of the Church’s enduring mission. Benedict’s choices often highlighted lesser-known figures, bringing their stories to light. This showed that holiness persists across centuries and continents. His pontificate reinforced the idea that the Church is a communion of saints, past and present. Benedict wanted the faithful to see their faith as part of a larger story. His canonizations, though fewer, still spanned cultures and eras. This global scope encouraged Catholics to appreciate their shared heritage. It also echoed Vatican II’s call for the Church to be a sign of unity among nations.
Francis has amplified this global witness by canonizing saints from overlooked regions and groups. His recognition of the Korean martyrs and indigenous saints like Juan Diego reflects this priority. Francis sees the saints as voices for the universal Church, especially its margins. His canonizations often honor those who faced oppression or neglect, showing God’s preference for the humble. This global approach strengthens the Church’s presence in diverse contexts. Francis wants the faithful to see that holiness thrives in every corner of the world. His large number of canonizations paints a picture of a Church alive with grace. This aligns with the teaching that the saints form a spiritual bond across all peoples (CCC 1474). Together, these three popes have used canonizations to show that holiness is a gift for all humanity. Their work answers the question—why so many saints?—with a clear message: because God calls everyone to be one.