Pope authorises four new sainthoods

VATICAN CITY (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI Sunday authorized four new sainthoods at a mass attended by several dignitaries, including the presidents of Ireland, Poland, Malta and the Philippines.

The fourth canonization ceremony held by the pope since he took over the pontificate took place under pouring rain. Those elevated to sainthood included a French nun and three priests from Malta, the Netherlands and Poland.

The pope canonized Frenchwoman Marie-Eugenie Milleret, who founded the Religious of the Assumption order in 1838, which is today present in 34 countries.

She was beatified by former pope Paul VI on February 9, 1975 in Rome.
Beatification, officially the Catholic Church's recognition that a dead person has entered heaven and can intercede on behalf of those who pray in their name, is the first step towards declaring sainthood.

Pope Benedict XVI said she had "perceived the importance of transmitting to the young generations, especially young women, an intellectual, moral and spiritual training which turned them into adults capable of taking charge of their lives, their families and knowing how to contribute to the church and society.