Indian “Padre Pio” proclaimed venerable by Pope Leo XIV – Aleteia

Born in Kerala, India, Fr. Theopane was compared to Padre Pio for the holiness of his life and his ministry of intercessory prayer. On February 21, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV is declaring Servant of God Fr. Theopane (born Michael Koodalloor) “venerable.” This means that the Vatican has reviewed his life and has confirmed that Fr. Theopane led a life of heroic virtue. It is the next step in his cause of canonization. Once two miracles can be confirmed through his intercession, he can be first “beatified” and then “canonized.” VaticanNews explains how Fr. Theopane is often compared to St. Padre Pio: Widely regarded as one of the most esteemed Capuchin preachers of his time, Theophane was known for his humility and closeness to the poor. Some compared him to Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, especially for the way he welcomed and prayed for those who sought his counsel. His reputation for holiness, already widespread during his lifetime, grew further after his death. Who was Fr. Theopane? Born in Kerala, India in 1913, Fr. Theopane was raised in a Catholic household and was eager to be an altar server once he was old enough. During high school he desired
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