Pope Francis - Santo Subito?

The cause for the canonization of the late Pope Francis shouldn't be a political statement or provocative in any way: it is the natural course of events upon the passing of a good shepherd. Furthermore, it finds firm grounding in the consistent witness of his life to the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. From his early ministry as a Jesuit priest in Argentina to his tenure as Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis always embodied a profound and unwavering commitment to Christ and His Church. His personal humility and the simplicity of life, and his devotion to prayer — particularly his deep Marian piety and love for the Eucharist — are emblematic of a sanctity that transcends the office he held. Throughout his pontificate, he has tirelessly emphasized the infinite mercy of God, calling the faithful to more profound practice of the faith and renewed missionary zeal.

In addition to personal holiness, Pope Francis has demonstrated heroic virtue through his relentless advocacy for the dignity of every human person, particularly the poor, the marginalized, and the excluded. His magisterial writings, notably Evangelii Gaudium and Laudato Si', have challenged both the Church and the world to embrace integral human development and ecological stewardship as essential expressions of the Christian life. Even in the face of internal and external opposition, he has consistently responded with patience, gentleness, and fidelity to Gospel principles, offering a living example of the Beatitudes. His leadership during global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, further illustrated a steadfast trust in Divine Providence and a commitment to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

The spiritual fruits borne from Pope Francis's pontificate — including a renewed emphasis on mercy, accompaniment, and the Church's missionary identity — are evident across the globe. His vision of a "Church that goes forth," attentive to the cries of the poor and the woundedness of the world, has reawakened many to the beauty of the Christian vocation. His life and ministry embody the call to holiness in our time, as articulated in his apostolic exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate. Thus, in proposing Pope Francis for canonization, the Church would be recognizing in him not only a faithful pastor but a luminous model of contemporary holiness — one who made the Gospel accessible, credible, and alive in a fractured world.