A further step in the Cause super martyrio of Father Bernardo Longo, scj

Dear confreres, brothers and sisters of the Dehonian Family,

On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the theological consultors of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints expressed a favorable opinion on the supplementary study of the martyrdom (Positio suppletiva super martyrio) of Fr. Bernardo Longo, scj (1907–1964). This Positio was prepared after the Dicastery itself granted, on June 5, 2024, that this cause, originally initiated under the consideration of the virtues (super virtutibus) of Fr. Longo, could be studied as martyrdom (super martyrio).

The investigation carried out (Positio Suppletiva), submitted to the Dicastery on March 20, 2025, highlights the circumstances of the martyrdom of the Servant of God. On the basis of testimonial and documentary evidence, it is demonstrated that Father Bernardo Longo suffered martyrdom out of hatred for the faith (in odium fidei).

In examining the Cause, the theological consultors gave their judgment on the odium fidei as the cause of his death and on the reputation for martyrdom of the Servant of God.

After the Congress of the theological consultors, and with their favorable opinion, the documentation (Positio) will continue the canonical process of the Roman phase: that is, the next step will be its consideration in the session of the Congregation of Cardinals and Bishops. They will be the ones to present to the Pope the martyrdom of the Servant of God.

The Cause of the martyrdom of Father Longo, therefore, moves forward. His life is an invitation to the radical love of the Risen One and an example of a shepherd with the sentiments of the Heart of Jesus. Let us continue to pray for the successful outcome of this process for the glory of God and the good of His people.

Fr. Ramón Domínguez Fraile, scj 

Postulator General