Vatican Quashes Mother Teresa Canonization Rumor

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VATICAN CITY (ChurchMilitant.com) - The Vatican is confirming that Mother Teresa's cause for sainthood is not yet closed and there is no date set for a possible canonization.

The Internet is abuzz with rumors of Mother Teresa being canonized next September. The Italian news agency AGI reignited the rumor, saying it would happen on September 4, 2016.

A spokesman for the Holy See Press Office, Fr. Ciro Benedettini, confirmed her cause for sainthood is still open. It would have to be closed for present rules to allow her canonization to move forward.

Sources say cardinals are meeting next month in Rome to discuss the issue, but Fr. Benedettini wouldn't confirm it, only saying there will be "a project, a study being carried out."

It's not the first time the rumor has been circulated. In May, Italian media said Abp. Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization, told Rome city officials that Mother Teresa's canonization was planned for September 4, 2016. Archbishop Fisichella's office is in charge of organizing events for the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

A Vatican official responded by saying the date was only hypothetical and her cause for sainthood wasn't yet concluded. Two weeks later, Abp. Fisichella wouldn't confirm anything, only saying the canonization was hoped for.

Some media outlets are reporting a second miracle has occurred, but the Vatican spokesman didn't confirm the report. A second miracle must still be approved for the cause to move forward unless Pope Francis waives the requirement.

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