Among the new saints, Francis is canonizing Argentine 19th century “gaucho priest” José Gabriel del Rosario Brochero, who ministered to the poor in the peripheries and is clearly a model for his papacy. (Andrew Medichini/Associated Press)VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis canonized Argentina’s “gaucho priest” Sunday, bestowing sainthood on the poncho-wearing pastor with whom the first Argentine pope shares many similarities, from a taste for mate tea to a dedication to bringing the ministry to even the most isolated people. Men and women who struggle with prayer, letting the Holy Spirit pray and struggle in them,” the pope said. Francis moved Brochero closer to sainthood soon after being elected pope, and cleared him for sainthood earlier this year. A papal biographer, Austen Ivereigh, says Brochero exemplifies Francis’ idea of a priest.

Source: Washington Post October 16, 2016 08:57 UTC