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Brazil has more Catholics than any other country in the world. So it’s not surprising that it’s producing a striking number of potential 21st-century saints.

Among the figures whose causes are progressing is Padre Léo, who established a network of houses supporting people addicted to drugs and alcohol. The Dehonian priest died in 2007, at the age of 45. His reputation for holiness was so strong that his beatification cause opened in 2020.

This month, the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints recognized the validity of the diocesan phase of Padre Léo’s beatification cause — another step in the long journey toward canonization.

Padre Léo is joined on the path by several fellow countrymen, some better known than others. Here is a quick, though not exhaustive, rundown of the candidates. All died after 2000, meaning their reputations for holiness have emerged within living memory.

Many 21st-century sainthood candidates were born outside Brazil but made their homes there, often as missionaries. To keep this overview manageable, this article focuses solely on those who were Brazilian-born.

The Servants of God

Waldir Lopes de Castro (1931-2001)

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