Popes John Paul II and Pius XII declared "Venerable"

The Vatican December 19 issued a number of decrees about the status of individuals on the path to being declared saints - including Pope John Paul II, Pope Pius XII, and Teresa Manganiello - a Secular Franciscan (and several other Franciscans).

Pope Benedict XVI recognized the "heroic virtues" of his to papal predecessors - the first step in the canonization process. They can now be called "Venerable."

He also recognized a miracle linked to Manganiello, clearing the way for her to be beatified.

Manganiello (1849-76) was noted for her prayers and spirituality. Already a devout Secular Franciscan, she and a few other individuals dreamed of creating the Franciscan Immaculatine Sisters. In 1875, she went to Rome and asked Pope Pius IX a particular blessing for the realisation of the projects. His Holiness blessed the effort, but before it actually came about, she died suddenly at the age of 27. The order was subsequently created.

The decision about Pope John Paul II comes as no surprise. The decree concerning Pope Pius will likely get some flak because of the false claims that he did little to help save the Jews during the Holocaust.

Five of the December 19 decrees testified to the authenticity of miracles attributed to candidates who have already been beatified, and are now qualified for canonization. They are:

Bl. Stanislaus Soltys (Kazimierczyk) (1433-89), whose liturgical cult was formally recognized by Pope John Paul in 1993
Bl. André Bessette (1845-1937), a Canadian renowned for his devotion to St. Joseph who developed a reputation as a miracle worker in his lifetime
Bl. Mary MacKillop (1842-1909), who founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart and will become Australia’s first canonized saint
Bl. Giulia Salzano (1846-1929), foundress of the Congregation of the Catechetical Sisters of the Sacred Heart
Bl. Camilla Battista da Varano (1458-1524), a Poor Clare nun.

The Congregation also approved five other candidates who, like Manganiello, have had a miracle linked to them, or suffered martyrdom, and who will now be scheduled for beatification:

Father Jerzy Popieluszkowhose 1984 murder by Communist intelligence officers was recognized as martyrdom
Father José Tous y Soler (1811-71), a Capuchin Franciscan
Brother Leopoldo de Alpandeire (1866-1956), a Capuchin Franciscan
Manuel Lozano Garrido (1920-71), a Spanish layman
Chiara Badano (1971-90), a laywoman of the Focolare Movement.

Pope Benedict also declared the heroic virtue of Bl. Giacomo Illirico da Bitetto, a Franciscan.

In addition, to the two popes, the heroic virtues of seven other individuals were recognized. Like the two popes, they may now be called "Venerable" and would be eligible for beatification pending approval of a miracle:

Father Louis Brisson (1817-1908), founder of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales
Father Giuseppe Quadrio (1921-63), a Salesian
Sister Mary Ward (1545-1615), an Englishwoman who founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters)
Sister Antonia Maria Verna (1773-1838), foundress of the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception of Ivrea
Sister Francesca Farolfi (Maria Chiara Serafina of Jesus) (1853-1917), foundress of the Missionary Franciscan Clarists of the Blessed Sacrament
Sister Enrichetta Alfieri (1891-1951)
Giunio Tinarelli (1912-56), a layman and member of the Silent Workers of the Cross.

Thank you Lord for these holy men and women who serve as models and inspirations for us all!