Pope Leo XIV canonized seven new saints, including a former Satanic priest, demonstrating the Church’s unwavering belief in redemption and the transformative power of faith over darkness.
Story Highlights
- Bartolomeo Longo, a former Satanic priest who converted to Catholicism, was officially canonized as a saint.
- The ceremony at St. Peter’s Square included the first saints from Venezuela and Papua New Guinea.
- Approximately 70,000 faithful attended the historic canonization ceremony on October 19, 2025.
- Longo became known as the “apostle of the rosary” after his dramatic conversion from Satanism.
Historic Canonization Ceremony at Vatican
Pope Leo XIV formally declared seven individuals as saints during a ceremony at St. Peter’s Square on October 19, 2025. The canonization drew approximately 70,000 attendees who witnessed this significant moment in Catholic Church history.
Cardinal Marcello Semeraro participated in the ceremony, sharing the inspiring stories of these newly recognized saints. The diverse group of saints represented multiple countries and backgrounds, emphasizing the universal reach of the Catholic faith.
Bartolomeo Longo’s Remarkable Journey from Darkness to Light
Bartolomeo Longo’s transformation from a Satanic priest to a Catholic saint represents one of the most extraordinary conversion stories in Church history. After abandoning his involvement with Satanic practices, Longo devoted his life to promoting the rosary and became widely known as the “apostle of the rosary.”
His conversion demonstrates the Catholic teaching that no one is beyond God’s grace and redemption. This powerful testimony offers hope to believers that faith can triumph over even the darkest spiritual paths.
Bartolo Longo, a former Satanic priest turned Catholic who devoted his life to the Rosary and the Virgin Mary following his conversion, was canonised by Pope Leo XIV today at the Vatican
Image: Angelbert Chikere pic.twitter.com/zzVPGkmWVx
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) October 19, 2025
First Saints from Venezuela and Papua New Guinea
The canonization marked a historic milestone for Venezuela and Papua New Guinea, as both countries celebrated their first officially recognized saints. This recognition strengthens the global Catholic community and provides these nations with spiritual role models who reflect their cultural heritage.
The Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints conducted extensive research and verification before approving these canonizations. The process required documented evidence of miracles attributed to the intercession of each candidate, following centuries-old Church traditions.
Pope Leo XIV canonizes former Satanic priest and 6 other new saints https://t.co/0ABjkhbKqX pic.twitter.com/XRCtMqBGhq
— New York Post (@nypost) October 22, 2025
Impact on Catholic Faith and Community
The canonization reinforces traditional Catholic values while demonstrating the Church’s commitment to recognizing diverse paths to holiness. These new saints serve as inspirational figures for believers worldwide, particularly those who may have struggled with their faith journey.
The ceremony is expected to boost pilgrimage tourism to related religious sites, including the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompeii. The recognition of saints from different continents strengthens the universal appeal of Catholicism and provides role models for local faith communities seeking spiritual guidance.
Sources:
Ex-Satanic priest among seven new saints created by Pope Leo – ABS-CBN News
