Pope reflects on relationship between sanctity and history

October 22, 2026

Pope Leo XIV told participants in a conference organized by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints that “the history of the world without the saints would be immensely poorer; in other words, less human.”

Addressing participants in the conference, entitled “La santità nella storia“ (Holiness in History, CWN coverage), Pope Leo reflected on three aspects of the relation between holiness and history.

“The first relates to canonized holiness, which must be proven by authentic credible testimonies that are beyond reproach,” the Pope said during the audience, which took place in Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace. To this end, the work of the Historical Commission at diocesan level and that of the Rapporteurs and Consultors of the Dicastery for the so-called ‘ancient causes’ play an essential role.”

Pope Leo continued:

A second aspect is how historical and cultural evolution may influence, in its various phases, the very concept of sainthood. As the ages pass, even the profile of the saints may undergo changes: not to follow the stereotypes of the moment, but to interpret the experience of the present through the lens of the Gospel as it is lived. For this reason, situating the witness of a saint within the context in which they lived is of great importance.

“Finally, it is necessary to consider how the presence and witness of the saints has transformed history,” the Pontiff added. “Enlightened by Grace, they were able to heed the calls of their time, uniting faith and history, and devoting their lives to building the new reality of the Kingdom of God.”

 

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Further information:

• Participants in the Conference Promoted by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 10/21/26)
• Audience with participants in the Conference “Holiness in History”, organized by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints (Holy See Press Office, 10/21/26)
• Pope Leo: Saints show us 'history shaped by faith' (Vatican News, 10/21/26)