Pope Francis has added a fourth pathway to possible sainthood. Until now, gaining consideration for sainthood in the Catholic Church required martyrdom, living a life of heroic values or — less frequently invoked — having a clear saintly reputation. The Vatican announced on Tuesday that the pope has issued a new law outlining a fourth route: people who lived a ‘good Catholic life’ and who freely accepted a certain and premature death for the good of others. This is the first change to the main sainthood requirements in centuries. Martyrdom, which stipulates being killed out of hatred for the faith, does not require a miracle.

Source: Egypt Independent July 11, 2017 12:56 UTC