Pope Francis has recognized a miracle attributed to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, clearing the way for his canonization. The Italian mountaineer and humanitarian, often called the “Man of the Beatitudes,” will be declared a saint during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee of Youth in Rome on August 3, 2025.
Pier Giorgio Frassati, born on April 6, 1901, in Turin, Italy, was known for his deep spirituality, love for the poor, and adventurous spirit. As a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, he dedicated his life to serving the sick, homeless, and needy. He combined his charitable works with a passion for the outdoors, frequently hiking and climbing mountains, which became a metaphor for his pursuit of holiness. His motto, “Verso l’Alto” (“To the Heights”), reflects his commitment to reaching both physical and spiritual summits.
Frassati died at the age of 24 in 1925 from polio, likely contracted while ministering to the sick. Beatified in 1990 by Pope John Paul II, he was praised as a “man of the eight beatitudes,” embodying a life wholly devoted to God and others. Pope Francis recently highlighted Frassati’s legacy, describing him as a young man filled with the Holy Spirit, who shared Jesus’ love with the poor and lived beyond the comforts of his privileged upbringing.
The miracle leading to his canonization involved the healing of a seminarian in Los Angeles who suffered a severe Achilles tendon injury during a basketball game. While praying a novena to Frassati, the seminarian experienced a sudden and complete recovery, verified by medical experts and Vatican authorities. Monsignor Robert Sarno, who oversaw the investigation, remarked on the fitting nature of the miracle, given Frassati’s own love of sports.
In addition to Frassati’s canonization, Pope Francis approved the causes of several others. Blessed Maria Troncatti, an Italian missionary who worked with indigenous communities in Ecuador, was recognized for her miraculous intercession. The martyrdom of Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp, a Vietnamese priest who defended his community’s rights, and Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, a Congolese layman who was killed for opposing corruption, were also acknowledged.
Furthermore, pope approved the beatification of Venerable Juana de la Cruz, a Spanish abbess known for centuries of veneration, and recognized the heroic virtue of Croatian Bishop Josip Lang, celebrated for his service to the poor and dedication to seminarian formation.
As the Catholic Church prepares for the Jubilee of Youth in 2025, Pier Giorgio Frassati’s life and legacy stand as an inspiring example of joyful, selfless holiness, encouraging young people to live their faith with courage and compassion.