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25 September 2025 - 18:19
Rome – Despite being hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic, Pope Francis made a gesture that moved the faithful around the world: yesterday he announced the convocation of a Consistory for the canonization of two blesseds, Giuseppe Gregorio Hernández Cisneros and Bartolo Longo.
The decision, announced in the Vatican Press Office Bulletin, comes at a delicate time for the Pope, who has chosen to carry out his ministry from the "special chair" of the Roman hospital.
The two blessed awaiting sainthood
Giuseppe Gregorio Hernández Cisneros, born in Isnotu (Venezuela) on October 26, 1864 and died in Caracas on June 29, 1919, was a doctor and lay faithful, venerated for his dedication to the sick and the poor. Bartolo Longo, born in Latiano (Brindisi) on February 10, 1841 and died in Pompeii on October 5, 1926, is known as the founder of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pompeii and an example of conversion and charity. Beatified in 1980, Longo has long been awaited as a saint by a large community of devotees.
The joy of Pompeii and the Catholic world
The news of Bartolo Longo's canonization sparked particular emotion in Pompeii, a city inextricably linked to his figure. Archbishop Tommaso Caputo of Pompeii expressed his profound gratitude for the Pope's gesture: "No words seem capable of expressing our deep emotion and gratitude to the Holy Father, who in a moment of suffering wished to give us this great joy."
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Caputo recalled how, already after Longo's beatification in 1980, a multitude of faithful prayed intensely for his canonization, seeing in him a model of holiness accessible and close to ordinary people.
"Bartolo Longo is a figure to look up to and imitate, so that we too can one day reach Heaven," the archbishop added, emphasizing how every canonization is a sign of God's plan. "Holiness is not reserved for a select few, but is a universal calling. How many hidden saints are there, those next door? The canonization of Bartolo Longo is a declaration of love that God makes to humanity."
A message of hope from Gemelli
The decision of Pope Francesco It comes at a time of great concern for his health, but once again demonstrates his closeness to the faithful and his determination to carry out the duties of the Petrine ministry. The Consistory for canonizations represents not only a formal act, but a sign of hope and faith for the universal Church.
Meanwhile, from Pompeii and Venezuela, prayers of thanksgiving are rising for the Pope and for the two new saints who will soon be proclaimed. The canonization of Hernández Cisneros and Longo is a gift that unites two continents and two different stories, but united by the same search for sanctity in daily life.
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