Do we even have to tell you that we at FOCUS love the saints?
From the earliest saints to the ones who walked among us just decades ago, saints are and have always been the life of the Church. They have inspired, evangelized and loved Christ’s people since the beginning, and we are always looking for guidance from their lives.
Today, let’s dive into the stories of some of the newest Catholic saints: those who were canonized in 2025 and those we look forward to celebrating in 2026.
Complete with fascinating backstories, these saints come from different countries, vocations and centuries, reminding us that holiness is possible for everyone.
Recently Canonized in 2025
1. Carlo Acutis
A true modern saint, Carlo Acutis has captured the imagination of Catholics around the world.
Born in 1991, Carlo combined a deep love for the Eucharist with a passion for technology. Using his computer skills, he created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles from around the world, helping countless people discover the beauty of the Real Presence.
After a brief battle with leukemia, Carlo died in 2006 at just fifteen years old.
He was canonized in 2025, becoming the Church’s first millennial saint.
Fun Fact: Carlo loved video games but limited himself to one hour a week so he could focus on prayer, Mass and serving others.
2. Pier Giorgio Frassati
Pier Giorgio Frassati is often called the patron saint of young adults—and for good reason.
An avid mountain climber, practical joker and friend to everyone he met, Pier Giorgio spent his life serving the poor while quietly pursuing holiness.
Born into a wealthy Italian family, he regularly gave away money, food and clothing to those in need, often without telling anyone.
He died in 1925 at the age of twenty-four after contracting polio, likely while serving the sick.
He was canonized in 2025.
Fun Fact: Pier Giorgio once brought a donkey to a formal family dinner as a prank.
3. Maria Troncatti
A Salesian sister, nurse and missionary, Maria Troncatti devoted her life to serving indigenous communities in Ecuador.
She worked as a nurse, teacher, peacemaker and evangelist, often risking her own safety to mediate conflicts between tribes and local authorities.
Her compassion and courage earned her the respect of everyone she encountered.
Fun Fact: Maria often performed emergency surgeries in remote mission territories where doctors were unavailable.
4. Luigia Poloni
Luigia Poloni dedicated her life to caring for the poor, the sick and abandoned children in nineteenth-century Italy.
She co-founded the Sisters of Mercy of Verona, a community devoted to serving those most in need.
Her life reminds us that extraordinary holiness is often lived through ordinary acts of charity.
Fun Fact: Luigia was known for giving affectionate nicknames to the sisters she worked alongside.
Looking Forward to 2026
5. José Gregorio Hernández
Known as “the doctor of the poor,” José Gregorio Hernández is one of the most beloved figures in Venezuela.
A physician, scientist and devout Catholic, he spent much of his life providing medical care to people who could not afford treatment.
His reputation for kindness and holiness spread throughout Latin America long before his canonization process began.
Fun Fact: Many Venezuelans have long referred to him simply as “Doctor José Gregorio” and seek his intercession for healing.
6. Bartolo Longo
Bartolo Longo’s story is one of the most dramatic conversions in Church history.
After drifting away from the faith and becoming involved in anti-Catholic movements, he experienced a profound conversion and dedicated the rest of his life to spreading devotion to the Rosary.
He founded the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, which remains one of the most visited Marian pilgrimage sites in the world.
Fun Fact: Bartolo is often called the “Apostle of the Rosary.”
7. Peter To Rot
Peter To Rot was a husband, father and catechist from Papua New Guinea who was martyred during World War II.
When missionaries were imprisoned during the Japanese occupation, Peter stepped forward to lead and support local Catholics.
He continued teaching the faith despite threats and eventually gave his life for Christ.
Fun Fact: Peter To Rot will become the first canonized saint from Papua New Guinea.
8. Ignatius Choukrallah Maloyan
An Armenian Catholic bishop and martyr, Ignatius Maloyan refused to renounce his faith during the Armenian genocide.
Despite intense persecution, he remained faithful to Christ and his people until his death in 1915.
His witness continues to inspire Christians around the world.
Fun Fact: Before becoming a bishop, Ignatius Maloyan was known for his gift for languages and could communicate with people from several different cultural backgrounds throughout the Ottoman Empire.
Potential Future Canonizations
9. Servant of God Takashi Nagai
A physician and survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Takashi Nagai became one of the most powerful Catholic witnesses of the twentieth century.
Following the bombing, he dedicated himself to writing, prayer and helping Japan rebuild.
Fun Fact: His writings helped introduce many people to Christianity in post-war Japan.
10. Venerable Fulton Sheen
One of the most recognizable Catholic communicators in modern history, Fulton Sheen used radio and television to bring the Gospel into millions of homes.
His wit, intelligence and deep love for Christ continue to influence Catholics today.
Fun Fact: At the height of his popularity, Fulton Sheen’s television audience rivaled that of some of America’s biggest entertainers.
These saints challenge us to reflect on our own path to holiness.
Some were missionaries. Some were doctors. Some were young adults. Some were martyrs.
But all of them responded to God’s call with courage, generosity and faith.
As we celebrate these newest Catholic saints, let’s ask for their intercession and learn from their example. Holiness isn’t reserved for a select few. It is the calling of every Christian.
Here’s a Handy List of the Newest Catholic Saints
Canonized in 2025
Young Saints
- Carlo Acutis: The first millennial saint and promoter of Eucharistic devotion.
- Pier Giorgio Frassati: Known for joyful service, mountain climbing and love for the poor.
Missionaries and Religious
- Maria Troncatti: Missionary nurse who served indigenous communities in Ecuador.
- Luigia Poloni: Founder dedicated to serving the poor, sick and vulnerable.
Anticipated Canonizations in 2026
Lay Leaders and Evangelists
- José Gregorio Hernández: Physician known as the “doctor of the poor.”
- Bartolo Longo: Convert and promoter of the Rosary.
Martyrs and Witnesses
- Peter To Rot: Husband, father and catechist martyred for the faith.
- Ignatius Choukrallah Maloyan: Armenian Catholic bishop who died for Christ.
Potential Future Saints
- Takashi Nagai: Physician, writer and witness after Nagasaki.
- Fulton Sheen: Archbishop, evangelist and pioneer of Catholic media.
Additional Resources
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