Vatican City: On May 22, 2025, during a private audience granted to His Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis gave his formal approval for the promulgation of several significant decrees. These decrees concern the lives and legacies of three Servants of God, marking important steps in their respective journeys toward sainthood.

Among the decrees authorized is the recognition of the offering of life of Alejandro Labaka Ugarte, a Capuchin friar of the Order of Friars Minor. Known in religious life as Manuel, he served as the titular bishop of Pomaria and the apostolic vicar of Aguarico in Ecuador. Born on April 19, 1920, in Beizama, Spain, Bishop Labaka devoted his life to missionary work, particularly among the indigenous peoples of the Ecuadorian Amazon. He died on July 21, 1987, in the Tigüino region, offering his life in an act of selfless devotion and solidarity with the native communities he served.

The Holy Father also approved the decree acknowledging the offering of life of Inés Arango Velásquez, a professed religious sister of the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters of the Holy Family, known in religion as Maria Nieves de Medellín. She was born on April 6, 1937, in Medellín, Colombia, and joined Bishop Labaka in his missionary outreach. On July 21, 1987, she too met her death in the same region of Tigüino, Ecuador, standing in unwavering faith and commitment to the people they served. Both Labaka and Arango are remembered for their courageous witness and sacrificial love, offering their lives in defense of indigenous communities under threat.

In addition, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of a decree recognizing the heroic virtues of Matteo Makil, the first apostolic vicar of Kottayam and titular bishop of Tralle. Born on March 27, 1851, in Manjoor, India, Bishop Makil played a foundational role in the spiritual and pastoral development of the Syro-Malabar Catholic community. He is also the founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. His episcopal ministry was marked by deep humility, tireless service, and a visionary commitment to religious formation. He passed away on January 26, 1914, in Kottayam, leaving behind a legacy of faith and leadership.

These official acts of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints affirm the Church’s recognition of lives lived in extraordinary fidelity to the Gospel. They represent a meaningful step forward in the canonization process for all three individuals, honoring their dedication, virtue, and enduring witness.