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We are all called to holiness. Here is why the most recent Popes have canonized more saints than any in history! Check out my recent article at Aleteia:
Did you know that Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have canonized a total of 1,375 saints? That number far exceeds the combined total of saints canonized since 1588, the year the Congregation for the Causes of Saints was established! Pope Francis alone has canonized 848 saints, more than any of his predecessors (his first canonization involved around 800 Italian martyrs).
It is a staggering number and odds are likely a single person will never be able to read the lives of each and every one of these holy men and women. Which brings up the question: Why so many saints? What is the point of canonizing such a vast number of people?
The universal call to holiness
Saint John Paul II began the call during his pontificate for more saints based on the teachings of Vatican II. His inspiration came specifically from Lumen Gentium and the chapter entitled, “The Universal Call of Holiness in the Church.” It is there we read about the need to realize that all people are called to lead a holy life united to Christ.
“Thus it is evident to everyone, that all the faithful of Christ of whatever rank or status, are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity; by this holiness as such a more human manner of living is promoted in this earthly society. In order that the faithful may reach this perfection, they must use their strength accordingly as they have received it, as a gift from Christ. They must follow in His footsteps and conform themselves to His image seeking the will of the Father in all things. They must devote themselves with all their being to the glory of God and the service of their neighbor. In this way, the holiness of the People of God will grow into an abundant harvest of good, as is admirably shown by the life of so many saints in Church history” (LG, 40).
John Paul II firmly believed that all people, especially the laity, should aspire to holiness and not be afraid to become a saint. He wrote in Novo Millenio Ineunte, ”this ideal of perfection must not be misunderstood as if it involved some kind of extraordinary existence, possible only for a few ‘uncommon heroes’ of holiness. The ways of holiness are many, according to the vocation of each individual. I thank the Lord that in these years he has enabled me to beatify and canonize a large number of Christians, and among them many lay people who attained holiness in the most ordinary circumstances of life” (NM, 31).
By canonizing a vast number of people John Paul II wanted to show the world that anyone could become a saint! It is not something reserved for the priests and nuns of our world, but ordinary lay people, mothers, fathers, single, young or old, can strive for perfection in their state in life.