The decrees were approved during an audience granted to Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
A New Blessed from Lebanon
Lebanese priest Béchara Abou-Mourad (1853–1930), a member of the Basilian
Order of the Most Holy Savior of the Melkites, will soon be declared Blessed following recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession.
Born Selim Béchara Abou-Mourad in Zahle, Lebanon, he entered religious life at an early age and was ordained a priest in 1883. Known for his pastoral dedication, he celebrated Mass in private homes in Deir el Qamar before overseeing the construction of a church. He also founded charitable initiatives and was widely recognized for his apostolic zeal and deep spirituality.
The miracle concerns the healing of a woman suffering from severe degenerative knee disease who, after praying for his intercession in 2009, reportedly regained the ability to walk without pain.
Equipollent Beatification of a French Franciscan
The Pope also approved the equipollent beatification of Gabriele Maria (c. 1460–1532), born Gilberto Nicolas near Riom, France. The decree recognizes a long-standing and widespread devotion to him.
An Observant Franciscan, Gabriele Maria played a decisive role in founding the Order of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary alongside Joan of Valois in 1501. He served as superior general for three decades, guiding the expansion of the order across Europe. Renowned for his Marian devotion, theological teaching, and reform efforts within the Franciscan Order, he was widely venerated after his death.
Three New Venerables
The Pope also recognized the heroic virtues of three individuals:
Francesco Lombardi (1851–1922), a parish priest in Liguria, Italy, who served the community of Bussana for 47 years. Following a devastating earthquake in 1887, he led reconstruction efforts and established numerous social initiatives, including schools, charitable institutions, and workers’ associations inspired by Catholic social teaching.
Theophane (Michael) (1913–1968), an Indian Capuchin friar from Kerala. Ordained in 1941, he was known as a retreat preacher, spiritual guide, and founder of religious institutions. Widely respected for his humility and closeness to the poor, he earned a reputation for holiness that endured after his death.
Fausto Gei (1927–1968), an Italian layman from Brescia who, after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, embraced his suffering as a spiritual mission. Through extensive correspondence and involvement in the Volunteers of Suffering movement, he encouraged the sick to actively participate in the life of the Church.
A Broader Recognition of Holiness
The latest decrees reflect the global diversity of the Church, highlighting holiness expressed in pastoral ministry, religious life, and lay witness across different cultural contexts.
The beatification dates for the new Blesseds will be announced at a later time.