Pope Leo XIV Authorizes Beatification of Guatemalan Martyr Friar Augusto Rafael Ramírez Monasterio
VATICAN CITY – During an audience on January 22 with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Pope Leo XIV authorized the promulgation of several decrees of high significance for the global Catholic community. Most notably, the Holy Father recognized the martyrdom of Friar Augusto Rafael Ramírez Monasterio, OFM, clearing the way for his beatification.
A Life Dedicated to the Poor and the Gospel
Born in Guatemala City in 1937, Friar Augusto Rafael’s path of service led him through Nicaragua and Spain before returning to Guatemala in 1978. As the guardian and pastor of San Francisco el Grande in Antigua Guatemala, he became a pillar of support for the poor and defenseless during the height of the country’s civil war.
Despite the systematic persecution of the Church by military forces at the time, Friar Augusto remained steadfast. His commitment to social justice and his unwavering protection of the Seal of Confession—even under threat of death—made him a target for those who viewed the Church's pastoral work as a threat.
Witness of Faith
In June 1983, Friar Augusto was detained and tortured for providing aid to a peasant seeking amnesty. Despite constant surveillance and death threats, he refused to abandon his ministry. On November 7, 1983, he was captured and killed by military forces. The Vatican has officially recognized that his sacrifice was a result of "hatred of the faith," formalizing his status as a martyr.
New Beatifications and Venerables
In the same session, the Pope also approved:
- The beatification of Ángela Catalina Isacchi, founder of the Ursuline Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, following the recognition of a miracle.
- The heroic virtues of layperson Nerino Cobianchi and religious sisters Crocifissa Militerni, María Giselda Villela, and María Tecla Antonia Relucenti, who are now declared Venerable.
_cropped.jpg)
.jpg)