On the closing day of the congress “Holiness in History” , organized by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Pope Leo XIV offered a profound reflection on the crucial role that saints play in the evolution of the world and the need to apply relentless scientific rigor when elevating a believer to the altars.

In a speech marked by recognition of the work of researchers, historians and ecclesiastical consultants, the Pontiff stressed that holiness is not an abstraction detached from reality, but a testimony embedded in the unfolding of time.

“The history of the world without the saints would be immensely poorer, that is, less human,” the Holy Father declared, emphasizing that, enlightened by Grace, the saints have been able to respond to the challenges of their respective times by combining faith with concrete action.

Historical rigor and scientific method

The Pope placed special emphasis on the first pillar of canonization: objective verification . Leo XIV recalled that canonized holiness requires proof through authentic, credible testimonies, “beyond all suspicion.”

In this regard, he praised the legacy of Pius XI, who established the Historical Section within the former Sacred Congregation of Rites to open ecclesial processes to the historical-critical method. Although the aim of these causes is not to produce pure historiography, but rather to highlight the exemplary character and spirituality of the candidate, the Pope insisted that both ancient and recent causes require a serious and exhaustive investigation of all available documentary material.

Living models to respond to the present

A second aspect addressed during the day was the influence of cultural transformations on the very perception of holiness. Leo XIV clarified that the evolution of the profile of saints does not respond to fads or circumstantial stereotypes, but to the constant effort to “read contingent experience through the categories of the lived Gospel.”

• Contextualization: It is essential to place each testimony in the era in which it was deployed in order to understand its true scope.
• Role models for today: God’s people seek intercessors and role models to help them face contemporary challenges.
• Transcendent character: Despite the historical context of each person, the solemn canonization carried out by the Successor of Peter proposes to the whole Church witnesses capable of speaking to any generation.

The transformative power of faith

In closing, Leo XIV expressed his gratitude for the quiet but essential work of the members of the Historical Commission and the Dicastery. According to the Pope, the presence of these figures has actively transformed the course of humanity, demonstrating the innovative power of Easter.

Placing the congressmen under the protection of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Saints, the Holy Father concluded by renewing the apostolic blessing for all those involved in continuing to bring to light the lives of those who shaped history from faith.

Full text of the speech:

ADDRESS OF THE HOLY FATHER LEO XIV

TO THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE CONGRESS “HOLINESS IN HISTORY”

ORGANIZED BY THE DICASTERY FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS

Clementine Hall Wednesday, October 21, 2026

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you. It’s wonderful to see so much enthusiasm for today’s saints, and thank you!

Your Eminences, Your Excellencies, dear brothers and sisters!

I am pleased to be with you on the closing day of your Congress, “Holiness in History,” organized by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. I greet and thank for their dedication your Superiors, Members, Consultors, Officials, Congress Speakers, and all those who, in various capacities, work in the Causes of Saints.

The theme chosen for these study sessions seeks to delve into the relationship between holiness and history, offering an opportunity to examine several aspects. The first concerns canonized holiness, which requires proof through authentic, credible testimonies beyond any doubt. To this end, the work of the Historical Commission at the diocesan level and that of the Speakers and Consultants of the Dicastery for Ancient Causes plays an essential role.

It was precisely an authoritative historian like Pope Pius XI who instituted the Historical Section within the then Sacred Congregation of Rites, opening the causes of saints to the specific use of the historical-critical method. Likewise, the processing of “recent causes” cannot dispense with a serious and rigorous verification of all the material gathered. The causes of saints employ the tools of historical study, although their aim is not to produce historiography, but rather to highlight the exemplary nature, spirituality, and reputation for holiness of the candidates for sainthood.

A second aspect is how historical and cultural evolution, in its various phases, influences the very concept of holiness. As time passes, the profile of saints can also evolve: not to conform to the stereotypes of the moment, but to interpret contingent experience through the lens of the lived Gospel. Therefore, situating the witness of a saint within the context in which they lived is crucial. The people of God seek models for navigating the present, intercessors who help members of the Church face today’s challenges and recognize its opportunities. It should not be forgotten, however, that the solemn act of canonization transcends historical contingency. Through it, in effect, the Successor of Peter not only approves, but also points out to the entire Church credible witnesses of the Gospel, capable of speaking to every age.

Finally, it is necessary to consider how the presence and witness of the saints have transformed history. Illuminated by Grace, they have listened to the calls of their time, uniting faith and history, and offering their lives to build the new reality of the Kingdom of God. The history of the world without the saints would be immensely poorer, that is, less human.

My dearest friends, the witness of the saints, deeply rooted in the realities of their time, reminds us of the innovative and transformative power of Easter. They show us a history shaped by faith. I thank you because, through your work, you help to highlight this wonderful reality. I entrust you to the protection of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Saints, and I wholeheartedly impart to you my Apostolic Blessing. Thank you.