Beatification Process For Father Hamel Fast-Tracked

Pope Francis has authorized the Archdiocese of Rouen, Rev. Dominique Lebrun, to begin investigating a cause for the beatification of Father Jacques Hamel, the French priest killed while saying Mass by two ISIS terrorists. Archbishop Lebrun made the announcement while presiding at a service of reparation at the church of St. Etienne du Rouvray, which was reopened for the first time since the July 26 terrorist attack in which Fr. Hamel was martyred.

Normally, the Church requires a 5-year waiting period after the person’s death before opening a cause for beatification. Pope Francis has waived that wait, responding to pleas from French Catholics. During his in-flight press conference, October 2, returning from Azerbaijan, the Pontiff confirmed that he has asked the Congregation for the Doctrine of Saints to begin Fr. Hamel's beatification process.

Fr. Jacques Hamel, a revered and devoted priest, is a martyr for the faith. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him! May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.