5 beatification causes advance
February 23, 2026
In a February 21 meeting with the prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Pope Leo XIV approved decrees that advanced five beatification causes.
Pope Leo approved a decree on the equipollent beatification of Father Gabriele Maria Nicolas, OFM (c. 1460-1532), a prominent Franciscan friar of the time who cofounded the Order of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In doing so, the Pontiff confirmed the immemorial devotion to the friar.
Pope Leo also approved a decree on a miracle attributed to the intercession of Venerable Béchara Béchara Abou Mrad, BSO (1853-1930); in doing so, he paved the way for the beatification of the Melkite Greek Catholic monk.
Finally, Pope Leo approved decrees on the heroic virtues of three Servants of God, who now may be styled venerable:
- Father Francesco Lombardi (1851-1922), an Italian diocesan priest who constructed the Basilica Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Bussana
- Father Theophane, OFM Cap (1913-1968), an Indian Capuchin Franciscan friar
- Fausto Gei (1927-1968), an Italian layman and member of the Silent Workers of the Cross Association; he suffered from multiple sclerosis and wrote works on sickness and suffering
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