Papal legate Leo set for Georgia Martyrs’ beatification

Treasuring the opportunity to serve as papal legate for the Georgia Martyrs’ beatification liturgy on Oct. 31 as a “profound honour,” Cardinal Frank Leo and his staff have worked alongside the Diocese of Savannah in recent months in the spirit of organizing the most transcendent celebration imaginable. 

Toronto's Archbishop was named papal legate — a personal representative or ambassador sent by the Pope to foreign governments, monarchs or regional branches of the Catholic Church — for the historic occasion set to unfold at the Savannah Convention Center on the final day of the month is 42 years in the making. 

Fr. Pablo Migone, Savannah's vicar of mission advancement, shed light about how many people over four decades advanced the cause of sainthood for Friar Pedro de Corpa, OFM, and his four fellow Spanish Franciscan missionaries who were martyred for their faith along the Georgia coast in 1597.  

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“It’s surreal that we’re (days) away from the beatification after many years of dedication and perseverance,” said Migone. “Many from the diocese and the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor (Our Lady of Guadalupe Province) have played significant roles in different components of this cause from the historical submission, investigation, preparation of documents for Rome and promotion.”

Leo benefited from the fastidious research conducted on each of the Georgia Martyrs. Savannah Bishop Stephen Parkes ensured Leo received a booklet outlining the biographical history of each missionary and the impact of their witness for Christ.

The 55-year-old stated his admiration for Pedro de Corpa, Blas Rodríguez, Miguel de Añon, Antonio de Badajoz and Francisco de Veráscola in a statement he made upon receiving this special papal assignment back in April. 

“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,” stated Leo. “In the communion of saints, their courage and charity continue to inspire the Church to proclaim the Good News with fidelity and constancy.”

Assuming good weather, Leo, along with the visiting bishops and Franciscans, will have the opportunity to take a boat ride to St. Catherine’s Island to explore the mission there founded during the 1590s. It was where Friars de Añon and de Badajoz died for their faith. 

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The following day, Leo and his fellow dignitaries will experience Fort King George, a historic site where an English fort was built in 1721. Historians have deduced that this place was previously home to the Spanish mission Santo Domingo de Talaje and where de Veráscola was martyred. 

It was evident to Migone quite quickly that Leo is a quality selection as papal legate. 

“When I learned more about him, I was surprised how young he is,” said Migone. “I also know that he is fluent in various languages. Coming from Canada he is aware of cultural diversity and serving people who make up Canadian society. He is from closer to here too so no one has to make the long journey from Europe.

“I know that the Cardinal is very excited. Ever since the announcement he has been in close contact with Bishop Parkes, texting back-and-forth. We are very excited to have him preside over the beatification.”

Migone shared that Leo is mindful that a significant number of Georgian Catholics in the Savannah diocese speak Spanish and that he will address the faithful in that language during parts of the liturgy. 

Well over 8,500 people are anticipated to witness the beatification rite. The organizing team has gleaned some best practices from the groups who spearheaded the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen in St. Louis last month, and the 2017 ceremonies for Blessed Solanes Casey and Blessed Sammy Rother in Detroit and Oklahoma City, respectively. 

“We are ready and we are excited,” said Migone. “Being the Diocese of Savannah, we are at the bottom of the list when it comes to the percentage of Catholics in our total population. We are third or fourth from the bottom with less than three per cent of our population being Catholic. The very fact we are hosting this beatification is great for the Church in the United States and the world, but also for our local Church.”

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The scheduling of the ceremony for Oct. 31 was purposeful as it falls within a month of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi‘s death, and is in close proximity to the 429th anniversary of the martyrdom in September. 

The beatification of the Georgia Martyrs will stream live on the Diocese of Savannah’s website and social channels. The liturgy will also air on EWTN. The Mass begins at 11 a.m. EST.

(Amundson is an associate editor and writer for The Catholic Register.)

A version of this article appeared in the October 25, 2026 issue of The Catholic Register with the headline "Papal legate Leo set for Georgia Martyrs’ beatification".