Pope authorizes decrees on heroic virtues on candidates for sainthood

By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis has authorized the promulgation of decrees concerning the heroic virtues of seven candidates for sainthood, including three missionary sisters who died during an outbreak of the ebola virus while serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Below please find the statement on the decrees concerning the causes of saints:

On March 17, 2021, the Holy Father Francis received in Audience His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. During the Audience, the Supreme Pontiff authorized the same Congregation to promulgate the Decrees concerning:

 - the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Mercurio Maria Teresi, Archbishop of Monreale; born on October 10, 1742 in Montemaggiore Belsito (Italy) and died in Monreale (Italy) on April 18, 1805;

 - the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Cosma Muñoz Pérez, diocesan priest, Founder of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Patronage of Mary; born in 1573 in Villar del Rio (Spain) and died in Córdoba (Spain) on December 3, 1636;

 - the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Salvatore Valera Parra, diocesan priest; born February 27, 1816 in Huércal-Overa (Spain) and died March 15, 1889;

 - the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Leo Veuthey (born Clodoveo), professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual; born March 3, 1896 in Dorénaz (Switzerland) and died in Rome (Italy) June 7, 1974;

 - the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Annelvira Ossoli (born Celeste Maria), professed religious of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Poor - Palazzolo Institute; born August 26, 1936 in Orzivecchi (Italy) and died in Kikwit (Democratic Republic of Congo) on May 23, 1995;

 - the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Vitarosa Zorza (born Maria Rosa), professed religious of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Poor - Palazzolo Institute; born October 9, 1943 in Palosco (Italy) and died in Kikwit (Democratic Republic of the Congo) on May 28, 1995;

 - the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Danielangela Sorti (born Anna Maria), professed religious of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Poor - Palazzolo Institute; born June 15, 1947 in Bergamo (Italy) and died in Kikwit (Democratic Republic of the Congo) on May 11, 1995.