Pope canonizes Italian mother, Lebanese Maronite monk, four others

Published: 2004-05-17

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II elevated to sainthood four men and two women, including a mother who gave up her life to save the life of her unborn child. The pope said "this holy mother," St. Gianna Beretta Molla, followed Christ's example of loving one's "own in the world and loving them to the end." St. Molla and five religious were canonized May 16 in St. Peter's Square as 40,000 pilgrims from all over the world watched and waved flags and banners. In his homily, the pope said the six new saints trusted completely in Jesus' promise of peace. "True peace is the fruit of Christ's victory over the power of evil, sin and death. Who follows him faithfully will become witnesses and builders of his peace," he said.

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