6 New Catholic Saints at a Glance

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A faithful holds an Indian flag and a statuette of priest Elias Chavara prior to the start of a Canonization Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

VATICAN CITY — Nov 23, 2014, 1:03 PM ET
By The Associated Press

Pope Francis on Sunday canonized six new saints, two Indians and four Italians, all of whom dedicated their lives to helping the poor.

Here is a look at the new saints:

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GIOVANNI ANTONIO FARINA, born Jan. 11, 1803, in Gambarella, Italy, province of Vicenza. As bishop of Treviso for a decade, then bishop of Vicenza for 28 years until his death in 1888, Farina renewed diocese life through pastoral visits, diocesan synods and parish associations for the poor. He became known as "the bishop of the poor." He was beatified by John Paul II on Nov. 4, 2001.

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KURIAKOSE ELIAS CHAVARA, born Feb. 10, 1805, in Kainakary, India. Chavara was a priest who contributed to the growth of the Syro-Malabar Church, one of 22 Eastern rite churches that remain in full communion with Rome. As the first vicar general of the Syro-Malabar Church in the Verapoli diocese, he worked to prevent the threat of a schism, and was the author of numerous spiritual, liturgical and poetic works. He died in 1871, and was beatified by John Paul II on Feb. 8, 1986.

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