Dear Pope Francis:
This letter is written to ask you to canonize the six African American candidates for
sainthood immediately. There are no United States African American saints recognized
by the highest church authorities while there are eleven white American saints.
Blacks in America have endured much unjust suffering since the first enslaved persons
arrived in 1619. Most of the six African American candidates for sainthood were either
born into enslavement or educated the enslaved at personal risks to themselves. Their
lives were miracles of generosity of spirit, sacrifice and survival.
We are asking you to name Pierre Toussaint, Henriette DeLille, Augustus Tolton, Julia
Greeley, Mother Mary Lange and Thea Bowman as Catholic saints using your santo
subito process. This action would signify to all that our beloved church views our
African-American sisters and brothers no less than their white sisters and brothers.
African Americans have remained faithful to the Catholic Church over centuries, despite
enslavement, racial segregation, and treatment as second class members within the
church. You canonizing the six current candidates for sainthood would make a very
strong statement of reckoning and reconciliation.
We know there is a process for canonization, but it is not working for Black American
Catholics and supporters. The process is reaping unfair, uneven results, especially when
you realize that the six Black saints have been waiting 714 years totally if you add up the
times since each died.
We pray that you will use your Santo Subito process to move our church towards justice
and reconciliation for our part in upholding racism.
Thank you very much and may the Spirit continue to guide you and our entire Church in
love and peace.
Sincerely in Christ,