Pope adds new path to sainthood

Pope Francis has added a fourth pathway to possible sainthood.

Until now, gaining consideration for sainthood in the Catholic Church required martyrdom, living a life of heroic values or – less frequently invoked – having a clear saintly reputation.

The Vatican announced the Pope has issued a law outlining a new route: people who lived a good Catholic life and accepted a certain and premature death for the good of others.

A miracle must be attributed to the candidate’s intercession prior to beatification, the first step towards canonisation as a saint.