Tag: Pope Francis

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Pope Leo XIV Canonizes Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati Together in Historic Ceremony

Tanisha Cardozo

Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Ordinary Public Consistory on Friday morning, where he formally confirmed the canonizations of eight Blesseds. Among them were Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, two widely beloved figures whose lives—though lived in different centuries—embodied a vibrant, youthful witness to faith.

Originally, Acutis was scheduled to be canonized during the Jubilee of Teenagers on April 27, while Frassati’s canonization was planned for August 3, the close of the Jubilee for Youth. Both events were postponed following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, which left their canonization dates in question.

That uncertainty ended when Pope Leo XIV announced the decision to canonize both young men together on September 7. The celebration drew widespread global attention, especially from the young faithful who had long looked up to Acutis—the first saint of the twenty-first century—and Frassati, whose early 20th-century life of charity and activism had already earned him the nickname “The Man of the Beatitudes.”

The ceremony reflected the Church’s recognition of the enduring impact of youth saints who lived out their faith in both ordinary and extraordinary ways. Carlo Acutis, known for his devotion to the Eucharist and skill in using technology for evangelization, and Pier Giorgio Frassati, celebrated for his joyful service to the poor and political engagement grounded in Gospel values, now stand together as saints for a new generation.

Pope Leo XIV also announced that seven more Blesseds would be canonized in October. Among them are Archbishop Ignatius Shoukrallah Maloyan, martyred during the Armenian Genocide in 1915, and Peter To Rot, a lay catechist from Papua New Guinea who was executed in 1945 for continuing Christian ministry under Japanese occupation. To Rot will become the first saint from Papua New Guinea.

Other future saints include Vincenza Maria Poloni, founder of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona; Maria del Monte Carmelo Rendiles, founder of the Servants of Jesus in Venezuela; and Maria Troncatti, a missionary with the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians.

Two laymen were also approved for canonization: Bartolo Longo, a former Satanist who became a devout Catholic and established the Marian Shrine at Pompeii, and Dr. José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros, a Venezuelan physician known for his generous service to the poor.

Together, these canonizations reflect Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to honoring a wide range of vocations and testimonies of faith—across eras, cultures, and walks of life.

International

Pope Leo XIV to Canonise Carlos Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati on September 7, 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Vatican City | August 27, 2025: The Catholic Church is preparing to welcome two modern heroes of faith into sainthood. Blessed Carlos Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be officially canonised by Pope Leo XIV in a solemn ceremony on September 7, 2025 at the Vatican.

The announcement was originally made by Pope Francis, but the canonisation ceremony was postponed due to his passing. Now, under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, the Church has reaffirmed its commitment to recognising these holy young men for their exceptional lives of virtue and service.

Carlos Acutis (1991–2006)
 Often called the “Saint of the Internet,” Carlos Acutis was a teenage tech genius who used his skills to create a comprehensive website documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world. Despite his young age, Carlos lived a life of profound devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and frequently said,

“The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”

He died of leukemia at the age of 15, offering his suffering for the Church and the Pope.

Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925)
 Known as the “Man of the Beatitudes,” Pier Giorgio Frassati was a charismatic, athletic, and deeply spiritual youth who dedicated his life to social justice, charity, and helping the poor. A member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, he lived his faith not in a monastery but among the people — often using his own resources to feed the hungry and care for the sick.

He passed away at the age of 24, after contracting polio, likely from one of the poor people he was serving.

Their canonisation is especially significant in today’s age. It sends a powerful message: Holiness isn’t just for the cloistered — it’s possible in everyday life, through technology, activism, education, and service.

Their lives speak directly to the youth of the 21st century, making sainthood relatable, attainable, and real.

📍 Canonisation Date & Details

  • Event: Canonisation of Carlos Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati
  • Date: September 7, 2025
  • Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
  • Presiding Pontiff: Pope Leo XIV
  • Expected Attendance: Thousands of pilgrims and dignitaries from around the world

The Vatican is preparing for an event of great spiritual significance and international interest.

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Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass as Pontiff, Calls Election a Cross and a Blessing

allycaralgoa

Vatican City | June 2025 — In a historic and deeply symbolic ceremony, Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, celebrated his first Mass as pope inside the Sistine Chapel on Friday, just a day after his surprise election by the College of Cardinals.

Chicago-born Robert Prevost, an Augustinian missionary, was elected the 267th pope, succeeding Pope Francis. His election marks a new era for the Church, not just due to his nationality, but also for the pastoral and inclusive tone he set from the very first homily. He chose the name Leo XIV, invoking a tradition of leadership and strength, while also reflecting humility and continuity with Pope Francis’ mission of justice and mercy.

A Message of Mission and Humility

Speaking off-the-cuff in English, Pope Leo XIV told the assembled cardinals that their choice was “both a cross to bear and a blessing.” He emphasized that his role as pope was a shared mission, calling upon the global Church to joyfully spread the Gospel even in a world that often mocks or misunderstands the Christian message.

“You have called me to carry that cross and to be blessed with that mission,” he said. “I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me—as we continue as a Church, as a community, as friends of Jesus—to announce the Good News.”

His words struck a chord with many, especially as he acknowledged the rising tide of secularism and practical atheism, even within baptized Christian communities.

Continuing Pope Francis’ Legacy

During his homily, delivered in near-fluent Italian, Pope Leo XIV built on themes championed by his predecessor, warning against reducing Jesus to a “superman or charismatic leader.” He lamented a world increasingly obsessed with money, power, and individualism, where faith is trivialized or disregarded.

“A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, and violations of human dignity,” he said.

In a powerful gesture, two women were invited to read the Scripture readings, signaling the new pontiff’s likely intention to uphold Pope Francis’ reforms on enhancing women’s roles in the Church. As a cardinal, Leo XIV had already made waves by appointing women to key Vatican decision-making bodies.

A New Tone for the Papacy

Clad in traditional papal white but donning simple black shoes—forgoing the symbolic red loafers favored by some of his predecessors—Pope Leo XIV offered a visual continuation of Pope Francis’ commitment to simplicity and humility.

The Mass concluded with warm applause from the cardinals present—an unusual but telling moment of unity and hope.

Following tradition, the Vatican confirmed that all Vatican officials—whose roles are technically vacated upon the death of a pope—had been asked by Leo XIV to remain in office temporarily, as he takes time for “reflection, prayer, and dialogue” before making formal appointments.

Installation and First Public Address

The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will be formally installed at a special Mass on May 18, with his first general audience scheduled for May 21. The events are expected to draw global attention, not only for their ceremonial importance but also for what they may reveal about the tone and direction of his pontificate.

As the Church turns a new page, early signs suggest Pope Leo XIV intends to blend continuity with compassion, and reform with reverence—all while navigating the expectations and challenges that come with being the first American to occupy the Chair of St. Peter.

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Goan Cardinals and Priests Pay Tribute to Pope Francis at Historic Funeral Mass

allycaralgoa

In a poignant display of respect and solidarity, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao and a number of Goan priests concelebrated the Funeral Mass of Pope Francis in the Vatican on Saturday. This solemn ceremony brought together an estimated 220 cardinals, 750 bishops, and over 4,000 priests from around the world to bid farewell to the beloved pontiff.


The Funeral Mass was a testament to the diversity and unity of the global Catholic community. Cardinal Ferrao, along with other Goan priests, played a significant role in the ceremony, adding to the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions represented.


Canon Norbert Fernandes, the first Goan-origin canon at the Westminster Cathedral, described the funeral as “a mystical experience of the world coming to Rome.” He emphasized the sense of unity and shared hope that permeated the ceremony.

Fr. Alfi D’Cruz, who is pursuing his licentiate in Church Communication, shared his emotional experience of concelebrating the Mass. He recalled the impact of Pope Francis’ smile and gesture during their last meeting, which continues to motivate him in his vocation.
The Goan priests who concelebrated the Mass reflected on Pope Francis’ legacy of hope and service. They expressed their desire for the Church to continue his work, particularly in promoting compassion, understanding, and support for those in need.


The participation of Goan cardinals and priests in the Funeral Mass of Pope Francis serves as a reminder of the global nature of the Catholic Church. It highlights the shared commitment to faith, service, and community that transcends geographical boundaries. As the Church looks to the future, it does so with the memory of Pope Francis’ dedication to spreading hope and joy to all corners of the world.

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Goa Deputy Speaker Joshua De Souza Represents India at Pope Francis’ State Funeral at Vatican

allycaralgoa

Joshua De Souza, Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, is part of a high-level delegation led by President Droupadi Murmu to attend Pope Francis’ state funeral in Vatican City. The event brings together global leaders to pay respects to the late Pope, who passed away on April 21 at 88.

The Delegation is also accompanied by Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs and George Kurian, Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.


President Murmu and the delegation’s visit highlights strong India-Vatican diplomatic ties. She’ll represent India, offering condolences on behalf of the government and people, reflecting respect for Pope Francis’ contributions to global peace, interfaith dialogue, and social justice.


Pope Francis will be remembered for his compassion, humility, and spiritual courage, inspiring millions worldwide with his message of love, peace, and unity. The state funeral testifies to his lasting impact.

As Deputy Speaker Joshua De Souza participates, he embodies diplomacy and cultural exchange, fostering stronger India-international community relations.