Pope Francis creates a new way to become a saint

Pope Francis has added a fourth pathway to possible sainthood.

Until now, being in contention for sainthood in the Catholic Church required martyrdom, living a life of heroic values or - less frequently invoked - having a saintly reputation.

The Vatican announced on Tuesday that the pope has issued a law outlining a new route: Catholics who freely accepted a certain and premature death for the good of others.

Under the new category, a miracle must be attributed to the candidate prior to beatification, the first step towards canonisation as a saint.

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Church services

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Martyrdom, which is defined as being killed out of hatred for the faith, does not require a miracle.

AP