VATICAN – Blessed John Henry Newman, a convert, cardinal, theologian, and poet, is one step closer to becoming a saint. Today, Pope Francis signed off on the second miracle attributed to Newman and announced the approval of his canonization.
The second miracle for the English cardinal’s canonization involved a young law graduate from the Archdiocese of Chicago. She faced life-threatening complications during her pregnancy. But after praying for the intercession of Newman, she made a complete recovery from the complications.
The canonization decision comes nine years after Pope Benedict XVI beatified Newman in 2010.
The cause for Newman’s canonization was opened in 1958. Saint Pope John Paul II declared him venerable in 1991.
The first miracle attributed to the cause of his canonization involved Deacon Jack Sullivan, an American who attributed John Henry Newman’s intercession to the healing of a spinal problem.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, was excited at the news of the announcement.Â
“This is wonderful news which will be greeted with thanks to God by people across the world,” he told Rotita News. “Newman’s exploration of faith, depth of personal courage, intellectual clarity and cultural sensitivity make him a deeply admired follower of Christ.”
“During his life the people of Birmingham recognized his holiness and lined the streets at the time of his burial,” the cardinal continued. “I hope every parish priest in England will hold his head high today knowing Cardinal Newman is declared a saint”.
The canonization will be announced in the coming days, after Pope Francis meets with cardinals to formalize their support for the canonization.
Originally an Anglican priest, John Henry Newman was a convert to Catholicism. His hymns, poetry, writings, and reflections inspired the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIII named John Henry Newman a cardinal in 1879. The holy man died in 1890.