Pope Francis Advances Beatification Process for WWII Hero Salvo D'Acquisto
On Monday, Pope Francis welcomed a visit from Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Substitute for General Affairs, Monsignor Edgar Pena Parra, at the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome, as reported by the Vatican press office. During this significant audience, Pope Francis made an important decision to advance the beatification of Salvo D'Acquisto, whose cause has recently gained momentum.
The Vatican announced that the Pontiff authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to promulgate several decrees concerning individuals on the path to sainthood. Among these was the decree regarding the life offering of servant of God Salvo D'Acquisto, a lay faithful born in Naples on October 15, 1920, who tragically lost his life in Palidoro, Italy on September 23, 1943.
D'Acquisto, a member of the Italian Carabinieri during World War II, exemplified selfless courage in the face of danger. His cause for beatification stands out as it introduces a category of 'offering of life,' a new procedural distinction from the traditional routes of martyrdom or heroic virtues. This category was first introduced by Pope Francis in 2017 to honor Christians who have selflessly and voluntarily given their lives for others, following the teachings of Jesus Christ until their last moments.
In conjunction with this announcement, Cardinal Parolin led a rosary prayer in St. Peter's Square on the same evening for the health of the pontiff. A series of rosary prayers will now be held every evening in St. Peter's Square, serving as a unifying spiritual practice for the faithful. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect for the Dicastery for Evangelization, is scheduled to lead the prayer session on Tuesday night, starting at 9 PM.
The decision to beatify D'Acquisto highlights the Vatican's ongoing commitment to recognize those who have demonstrated exceptional faith and bravery, especially in tumultuous historical contexts. As the process moves forward, many faithful around the world will be reflecting on the profound impact of such selfless acts of love and sacrifice.
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