The Popes Behind the Canonization of the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs

The canonization of the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs on June 19, 1988, was a historic moment for the Catholic Church in Vietnam. Yet this remarkable event was the culmination a series of beatifications that had begun nearly nine decades earlier.

Between 1900 and 1988, four Popes played important roles in recognizing the Vietnamese Martyrs: Pope Leo XIII, Pope St. Pius X, Pope Pius XII, and Pope St. John Paul II.

The 117 martyrs were beatified in four stages between 1900 and 1951 before being canonized together by Pope St. John Paul II in 1988.

1. Pope Leo XIII – The First 64 Martyrs Beatified in 1900

The first major milestone came under Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903).

Pope Leo XIII, who beatified the first group of 64 Vietnamese Martyrs in 1900

On May 27, 1900, 64 martyrs associated with the Catholic Church in Vietnam were beatified under Pope Leo XIII, marking the first major milestone in the recognition of the martyrs who would later be canonized together in 1988.

Their beatification marked an important step toward the eventual canonization of the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs.

2. Pope St. Pius X – Two Beatifications in 1906 and 1909

Pope St. Pius X (1903–1914) continued the recognition of the Vietnamese Martyrs through two further beatifications.

Pope St. Pius X, who beatified two groups of Vietnamese Martyrs in 1906 and 1909

1906 – Eight Martyrs Beatified

On May 20, 1906, Pope St. Pius X beatified 8 additional martyrs, all members of the Dominican Order.

1909 – Twenty More Martyrs Beatified

On May 2, 1909, Pope St. Pius X beatified another group of 20 martyrs associated with the Catholic Church in Vietnam.

Together, these two groups brought the total number of beatified Vietnamese Martyrs to 92.

3. Pope Pius XII – The Final 25 Martyrs Beatified in 1951

The next milestone came during the pontificate of Pope Pius XII (1939–1958).

Pope Pius XII, who beatified the final group of 25 Vietnamese Martyrs in 1951

On April 29, 1951, Pope Pius XII beatified the final group of 25 martyrs, bringing the total number of Vietnamese Martyrs later canonized together to 117.

Although they had been beatified at different times under three Popes, all 117 would later be canonized together in 1988.

4. Pope St. John Paul II – The Historic Canonization in 1988

The culmination of this journey came under Pope St. John Paul II (1978–2005).

Pope St. John Paul II, who canonized the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs on June 19, 1988

On June 19, 1988, Pope John Paul II solemnly canonized all 117 Vietnamese Martyrs during a Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.

The group included Vietnamese Catholics as well as Spanish and French missionaries who had served the Church in Vietnam.

The canonization marked a historic moment for Vietnamese Catholicism, as these 117 martyrs were officially proclaimed saints of the universal Catholic Church.

Their liturgical memorial is celebrated annually on November 24, honoring St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and his companions, the Vietnamese Martyrs.

Explore More About the Vietnamese Martyrs

THE 117 VIETNAMESE MARTYRS: HISTORY, PERSECUTION AND CANONIZATION

THE 21 EUROPEAN MISSIONARY SAINTS AMONG THE 117 VIETNAMESE MARTYRS

EXPLORE VIETNAMESE MARTYRS – STORIES, HISTORY & PILGRIMAGE SITES

Today, this history is also remembered at Our Lady of La Vang Pilgrimage Center in Central Vietnam, where a historical display introduces visitors to the four Popes involved in the beatification and canonization of the Vietnamese Martyrs.

Historical display (in Vietnamese) at Our Lady of La Vang Pilgrimage Center, highlighting the four Popes involved in the beatification and canonization of the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs. Photo: Vietnam Catholic Tours.

For Catholic pilgrims, it offers a meaningful connection between the history of the Church in Vietnam and the universal Church in Rome.

If you’re planning a Catholic pilgrimage to Vietnam, Vietnam Catholic Tours offers private, tailor-made journeys to explore the country’s sacred sites, rich Catholic heritage, and meaningful pilgrimage destinations.

Source: Historical information presented at Our Lady of La Vang Pilgrimage Center, referencing the research of Fr. Giuse Phan Tấn Thành, OP, together with official Catholic Church records.

Vietnam Catholic Tours

(Owned by Viet Orchid Travel)