Vatican Theologians Advance Wisconsin Priest’s Sainthood Cause

Vatican theologians unanimously supported advancing the sainthood cause of Father Joseph Walijewski, a priest of the Diocese of La Crosse whose case was reviewed for evidence of heroic virtue and a reputation for holiness. The cause now goes to the dicastery’s cardinals and bishops for consideration; if they recommend it, Pope Leo XIV could approve a decree recognizing Walijewski’s heroic virtue and declaring him venerable. Further steps toward beatification and canonization would include investigating a possible miracle. Ordained in 1950, Walijewski served as a missionary in Bolivia and Peru and founded a home for children in Peru that continues to operate; he died in 2006.