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Pope Francis, in a recent canonization Mass, emphasized the importance of service over power. On October 20, he declared 14 new saints, including St. Marie-Léonie Paradis from Canada and 11 martyrs. The pope stated, “Those who dominate do not win, only those who serve out of love.”
He elaborated that acts of service reflect God's love and continue Jesus' work on earth. The new saints exemplified this by serving others without seeking worldly power.
The canonization took place on World Mission Sunday during the synod on synodality at St. Peter’s Square. Among the newly recognized saints were Italian missionary Giuseppe Allamano and eight Franciscan friars along with three Maronite laymen martyred in Syria in 1860.
Mother Marie-Léonie Paradis was born in Quebec and founded the Little Sisters of the Holy Family after various teaching roles in Canada and New York. Sister Elena Guerra, an Italian nun who established the Oblates of the Holy Spirit, was also canonized.
The Mass was attended by tens of thousands, including over 300 cardinals and bishops participating in the synod. Dignitaries from Canada, Spain, and Italy were present as well.
In his homily, Pope Francis described the new saints as examples of those who served joyfully even amidst challenges. He encouraged Christians to prioritize service over power, stating that Jesus taught a way of love rather than domination.
He urged Catholics to support missionaries worldwide through prayers and tangible help while calling for protection of Indigenous peoples’ rights in the Amazon region.
Representatives from the Yanomami people attended the Mass. A miracle involving Sorino Yanomami played a role in St. Allamano's canonization process.
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