Cardinal Frank Leo to preside over beatification of Georgia Martyrs

Cardinal Frank Leo will preside over the beatification of the Georgia Martyrs on Oct. 31 at the convention center in Savannah, Georgia. The metropolitan archbishop of Toronto will serve as the papal legate for the liturgy, which is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Organizers expect approximately 12,000 people to attend the event, which does not require tickets but does require registration by Sept. 30.

The beatification honors five 16th-century Franciscan missionaries: Pedro de Corpa, Blas Rodríguez, Miguel de Añon, Antonio de Badajóz, and Francisco de Veráscola. These men were killed in the region then known as La Florida. Pope Francis authorized the decree recognizing them as martyrs in January 2025. Bishop Stephen D. Parkes of Savannah said the event holds great significance for the faithful in the Diocese of Savannah and the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

A Mass of Thanksgiving will follow at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 1 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Savannah. EWTN will livestream the beatification ceremony.