A British student who died of cancer in 2018 could potentially become the Catholic Church's first Gen Z saint. Pedro Ballester tragically passed away at just 21, after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of pelvic cancer.
Canonization Cause Opened
In a bid to keep Pedro's memory alive, his family alongside the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford have made a case to immortalise him as a saint. Specifically, they have opened a 'cause for the canonisation,' which is the formal multi-stage process within the Catholic Church that investigates a deceased person's life, virtues, and reputation for holiness to determine if they should be declared a saint. After this examination, it is then decided if it should be presented to the Pope.
The Diocese said in a statement: 'We are pleased to announce the opening of the Cause for the Beatification and Canonisation of Pedro Ballester, a young Manchester man whose life of faith and witness continues to inspire many. The opening of this cause marks an important step in recognising the life and witness of a young man whose example of faith, especially in the face of suffering, continues to resonate with many people today.'
Growing Reputation for Holiness
Since Pedro's death, the Diocese stated that the 21-year-old's 'reputation for holiness has grown significantly.' It added that Catholics are invited to submit their own testimonies, memories and writings about Pedro to strengthen the case. According to reports, over 60 of Pedro's friends and family have been interviewed by church authorities about his case to become a saint.
The Catholic Church will then have to determine whether Pedro's life was filled with 'heroic virtue.' This essentially means it will have to be proven whether he was committed to his faith and consistently practised it throughout his life.
Family Testimony
His parents, Dr Pedro Ballester Nebot and Esperanza Arenas Arguelles, who hail from Spain, say their son was a devout Catholic, just like them. They said: 'His faith went deep and he was happy to share it with others, but in a very natural way.' Pedro's family also said he was a young man known for his 'cheerfulness and many other virtues.' 'He had a Latin sociable character mixed with Northern grit. He was both sociable and straightforward, eschewing all fuss and sentimentality, but he greatly enjoyed company and was a great friend to his friends.'
Pedro's father later told the BBC that, while only the Pope can say 'who is a saint,' his son was an 'extraordinary young man.'
Pedro's Journey
In 2014, Pedro had his whole life ahead of him, moving from Manchester to London after earning a place at Imperial College London to study chemical engineering. However, he was forced to transfer to the University of Manchester to complete his studies closer to home after he was diagnosed with advanced cancer. There, he received treatment at The Christie, the largest single site cancer centre in Europe.
One year later, he was able to meet Pope Francis in Rome. But sadly, Pedro died three years later in 2018, where more than 500 people attended his funeral.
Context of Millennial Sainthood
Pedro's case comes after British-born Italian teenager Carlo Acutis recently became the first millennial saint. Carlo, who died of leukaemia aged 15 in 2006, was raised to sainthood by Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square at the Vatican in September last year.
