This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience the participants in the Conference “Holiness in History”, organized by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

The following is the address delivered by the Pope to those present during the meeting:

Address of the Holy Father

In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.

It is good to see so much enthusiasm for today’s saints. Thank you!

Your Eminences, Your Excellencies,
Dear brothers and sisters!

I am pleased to meet you on the concluding day of your conference “Holiness in History”, organized by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. I greet and thank for their commitment its Superiors, Members, Consultors, Officials, the Conference speakers and all those who, in various capacities, work on the Causes of Saints.

The theme chosen for these days of study aims to explore the relationship between holiness and history in greater depth, offering the opportunity to reflect on various aspects. The first relates to canonized holiness, which must be proven by authentic credible testimonies that are beyond reproach. 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.

It was indeed an authoritative historian such as Pope Pius XI who established the Historical Section within the then Sacred Congregation of Rites, opening the causes of the saints to the specific application of the historical-critical method. Even the examination of “recent causes” cannot proceed without serious and rigorous verification of all the material gathered. The causes for sainthood make us of the tools proper to the study of history, even though their aim is not to produce historiography, but rather to bring to light the exemplary character, spirituality and reputation for holiness of the candidates for sainthood.

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. The People of God seek role models for living in the present, intercessors who help the members of the Church to face contemporary challenges and recognize the opportunities they present. It must not be forgotten, however, that the solemn act of canonization transcends historical circumstances. Through it, in fact, the Successor of Peter not only approves but also points out to the whole Church credible witnesses to the Gospel, capable of speaking to every age.

Finally, it is necessary to consider how the presence and witness of the saints has transformed history. 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. The history of the world without the saints would be immensely poorer; in other words, less human.

Dear friends, the witness of the saints, profoundly embedded in the reality of their time, reminds us of the innovative and transformative power of the Pasch. They show us a history shaped by faith. I thank you because, through your work, you help to bring this marvellous reality to light. I entrust you to the protection of the Virgin Mary, Queen of the Saints, and I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing to you. Thank you.