Pope Francis canonizes four new women saints
Banners showing Blesseds Marie-Alphonsine, Jeanne Emilie De Villeneuve, Maria Cristina Brando and Mary of Jesus Crucified hang from the facade of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Pope Francis canonized four 19th century women religious – 2 from Palestine, and one each from Italy and France – during a festive mass in St Peter’s Square on May 17, attended by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and official State delegations from Jordan, Israel, Italy and France. Read more.