Vatican City: Marking the 10th anniversary of the canonization of Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Pope Leo XIV has called the couple “a model of holiness for married life” and “a luminous example” for Christian families navigating the uncertainties of modern times.
In a heartfelt message written in French and addressed to Bishop Bruno Feillet of the Diocese of Séez, the Pope praised the Martins as an enduring symbol of love, faith, and family unity amid an age of “confused and troubled times.” The message, dated October 1, the feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, emphasized that their legacy offers “a counter-witness to fleeting and self-centered unions that bring disappointment and emptiness.”
“In these troubled times, when so many false models of love often fleeting, individualistic, and selfish are presented to the youth, the family as God intended it may seem outdated,” Pope Leo XIV wrote. “Yet Louis and Zélie Martin testify that this is not so. They were profoundly happy in giving their lives, in radiating faith, and in seeing their daughters grow in the light of the Lord.”
Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, canonized together in 2015 by Pope Francis, were the first married couple in the Church’s history to be elevated to sainthood as one. Their marriage and family life, lived in the small French town of Alençon, became a living testament to holiness through everyday faithfulness.
Pope Leo XIV expressed his hope that this anniversary “will be an opportunity to rediscover the life and merits of this incomparable couple and parents,” so that families often fragile and tested in today’s world “may find in the Martins the strength, grace, and inspiration to continue their journey with faith and love.”
He described them as a “radiant and inspiring model” for young people discerning marriage and for families striving to remain faithful to God’s design for family life. Their example, he said, embodies fidelity, mutual respect, Christian parenting, generosity in charity, and perseverance in faith values that form the cornerstone of Christian family life.
“Above all,” the Pope wrote, “this exemplary couple bears witness to the deep joy and true happiness that God grants to those who commit themselves to a path of faithfulness and fruitfulness.”
Pope Leo XIV underscored that the Martins’ sanctity was not lived in isolation or withdrawal from the world but through the ordinary rhythm of family life work, prayer, community service, and moments of joy and sorrow shared together.
He reflected on their Sunday gatherings after Mass, shared meals filled with laughter and prayer, and their unity during moments of trial. Their lives, he said, showed that holiness can flourish in everyday routines when Christ remains at the center.
“Their seemingly ordinary life was filled with an extraordinary presence of God,” the Pope noted. “Their motto, ‘God first,’ guided every decision and every act of love within their home.”
In doing so, he echoed the words of Pope Francis, who often spoke of “the saints next door” ordinary people whose quiet faith transforms the world around them.
Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed that the story of Louis and Zélie Martin highlights marriage as “a noble and exalted vocation”, a genuine path to holiness equal to that of religious life or priesthood. Their example, he said, demonstrates how spouses can sanctify each other through mutual love, patience, and faithfulness in daily life.
He urged married couples everywhere to look to the Martins as a guide and inspiration:
“Dear couples, persevere courageously on your path,” Pope Leo encouraged. “Even when it feels demanding, keep Jesus at the center of your families, your work, and your decisions. Teach your children to know and love Him, as Louis and Zélie taught their daughter Thérèse.”
He reminded the faithful that St. Thérèse’s own deep love for Jesus and Mary was born from the spiritual richness of her home a family rooted in prayer, compassion, and the everyday practice of virtue.
Concluding his message, Pope Leo XIV said that the legacy of Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin is a vital lesson for today’s Church and world a reminder that holiness is possible in every vocation and that love, when lived selflessly, becomes a reflection of divine grace.
“This,” the Pope said, “is the great lesson that Louis and Zélie give us one that both the Church and the world need so greatly today.”
As pilgrims prepare to visit Alençon for the anniversary celebrations, Pope Leo’s message stands as a call to all Christian families: to rediscover the beauty of God’s plan for marriage, to live faith authentically in daily life, and to believe that even in a confused world, holiness begins at home.