Pope announces seven new saints
- 12 years ago
Crowds gather in Vatican City as Pope Benedict names seven new saints, including the first Native American Saint - Kateri Tekakwitha.
Kateri, who died more than 300 years ago, is believed to have healed a boy with flesh eating bacteria in 2006 after his family prayed to her spirit.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) POPE BENEDICT XVI SAYING:
"Saint Kateri, Protectress of Canada and the first Native American saint, we entrust to you the renewal of the faith in the First Nations and in all of North America. May God bless the First Nations."
Among the other saints named was a French missionary, a Philippine woman martyred in Guam and a Spanish nun who campaigned for women's rights.
Benedict has canonized 44 saints since becoming pope in 2005.
Kateri, who died more than 300 years ago, is believed to have healed a boy with flesh eating bacteria in 2006 after his family prayed to her spirit.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) POPE BENEDICT XVI SAYING:
"Saint Kateri, Protectress of Canada and the first Native American saint, we entrust to you the renewal of the faith in the First Nations and in all of North America. May God bless the First Nations."
Among the other saints named was a French missionary, a Philippine woman martyred in Guam and a Spanish nun who campaigned for women's rights.
Benedict has canonized 44 saints since becoming pope in 2005.