SW News: The Pope has approved a decree recognizing the martyrdom of 127 Catholics who were killed during the Spanish Civil War -- thus paving the way for them to be declared blessed. The decision was announced by the Vatican on November the 23rd. The Spanish martyrs include the Father Juan Elia Medina, who was a priest of the southern Diocese of Cordoba, along with 126 of his companions including fellow priests, religious and lay people. It is estimated that more than 6,800 clergy and religious alone were killed for their faith by Republican forces during the Spanish Civil War which raged for three years between 1936 to 1939. So far over 1,900 of those martyrs have been beatified of whom 11 have been canonized. Pope Francis also authorized a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Father Mario Ciceri, a priest of the Archdiocese of Milan who died in 1945. Father Ciceri was known for his compassion for the poor, the sick, and former prisoners. He also cared for young soldiers during the Second World War. He too will now be declared Blessed.

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