On Oct. 31, 2026, the Catholic Church in the United States will mark an extraordinary moment in its history: the beatification of five Spanish Franciscan missionaries who gave their lives for Christ more than four centuries ago. Known as the Georgia Martyrs, Fathers Pedro de Corpa, Blas Rodríguez, Miguel de Añón, and Francisco de Veráscola, together with Brother Antonio de Badajoz, will be declared Blessed at a solemn celebration in Savannah, Georgia. Cardinal Frank Leo, archbishop of Toronto, will preside as the representative of Pope Leo XIV. This historic occasion, the first beatification ever celebrated in the American South, holds special significance for Florida’s Catholics.

Pope Leo’s surgery and his speedy return to the Vatican have revealed a great deal about his strength of faith, strength of health and strength of character. The doctors expressed that he was the perfect patient, taking all things in stride, including his setting up of chairs in the chapel where he was to celebrate Mass. He was described as friendly, patient, understanding and extremely cooperative. None of this should be a surprise to anyone who has observed His Holiness since his election as pope. He is an extraordinary man, not because he seeks to be extraordinary and admired by others, but because he chooses, like our Lord, in His human nature, to be ordinary, like everyone else in the best sense of the word. The pope’s speedy recovery and manner of activity are signs that he truly is extraordinary.

During my pastoral visit to St. Anastasia Parish and School in Fort Pierce on Sept. 30, Oct. 1 and 3, I found far more than a thriving parish and an outstanding Catholic school. I found a family of faith, deeply rooted in history and alive with a spirit of welcome, service and evangelization.

While fragility is a necessary part of human existence, it is difficult to acknowledge honestly. Pope Leo gave a splendid example of facing fragility with honesty and candor in making the announcement about the surgery and in facing it with a great deal of peace. Even the pope’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, made reference to this. He said, “We were all struck by his serenity. He spoke very calmly. The Holy Father is a great example in this regard.” The cardinal expressed that, “No one expected it, but there are, as the pope said, God’s surprises.”

Certainly, the most insightful world voice in regard to the dangers of artificial intelligence, as well as its benefits, has been that of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. From the very beginning of his papacy, he stressed that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence would be a major focus of his papacy, and he has spoken very frequently about it and the need for caution in its use. His first encyclical is a brilliant reflection, offering guidance in understanding artificial intelligence and dealing with it, both in its positive contributions and its ability to harm. He reminds us of our own human dignity, which cannot be controlled by any machine and far supersedes modern technology.

We believe the human body is not a commodity but part of the person, created by God and, as St. Paul teaches, a temple of the Holy Spirit. St. John Paul II reminded us that the body is made for self-giving love, not for use. Pornography does the opposite. It turns the body into merchandise, exploits the men and women who appear in it, and trains those who watch to see others as objects rather than persons to be loved.