Cardinal Frank Leo to Represent Pope Leo XIV at Beatification Rite of the Georgia Martyrs

Statement from the Archdiocese of Toronto re:
Cardinal Frank Leo to Represent Pope Leo XIV at
Beatification Rite of the Georgia Martyrs

Cardinal Frank Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, will represent the Holy Father as the Papal Legate (official representative of Pope Leo XIV) at the upcoming beatification celebration of the Georgia Martyrs, Friar Pedro de Corpa and his four Companions. The liturgical celebration will take place on October 31, 2026 in Savannah, Georgia, USA.

The rite of beatification will honour the witness and sacrifice of Friar Pedro de Corpa, OFM, and four fellow Franciscan missionaries who were martyred in 1597 in what is now the state of Georgia (USA). Their steadfast faith and missionary zeal have long been remembered and celebrated by the Church in the region and beyond.

Cardinal Leo will join the Most Reverend Stephen D. Parkes, Bishop of Savannah and preside over the solemn liturgy marking the beatification and elevation to “Blessed” of the five martyrs, celebrating their enduring legacy of evangelization, courage, reconciliation and devotion to Christ. A statement from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah, Georgia regarding the beatification can be found here.

His Eminence commented on the profound honour of personally representing Pope Leo XIV at this historical occasion:

“The beatification of Friar Pedro de Corpa and his Companions is a powerful reminder that the Gospel of Christ has taken root in every land through the faithful witness of those willing to give everything for the Lord Jesus, including their very life. In the communion of saints, their courage and charity continue to inspire the Church to proclaim the Good News with fidelity and constancy. I am humbled and honoured to represent His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as his legate and to join the pastors and all faithful in this momentous celebration of faith, indeed a profound moment of prayer and thanksgiving for the life, witnessing and intercession of Venerable Pedro de Corpa and his Companions.”