News of great joy for the entire Apostolic Movement of Schoenstatt. On Friday, June 20, 2025, Pope Leo XIV authorized the promulgation of the Decree that declares the Servant of God Deacon João Luiz Pozzobon as VENERABLE.
This means that the Church has concluded its examination of the Servant of God’s life, and for his Beatification, only the recognition of a miracle is now needed. On the eve of the 40th anniversary of João Pozzobon’s passing (June 27), this news brings great joy and gratitude to all Schoenstatt members.
Below is the official statement from the Archdiocese of Santa Maria and the National Presidium of the Movement in Brazil:
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Archdiocese of Santa Maria
National Presidium of the Apostolic Movement of Schoenstatt in BrazilWith great joy, we announce to the People of God that on June 20, 2025, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, authorized the promulgation of the Decree that recognizes the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Deacon João Luiz Pozzobon of the Archdiocese of Santa Maria (RS), member of the Apostolic Movement of Schoenstatt and initiator of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate.
With this promulgation, the Church declares João Luiz Pozzobon Venerable, officially recognizing that he lived the Christian virtues in an exemplary and heroic manner. This is a significant step on the path toward his beatification and canonization.
We give thanks to God for this gift to the Church and express our gratitude to the Holy Father for this recognition. We also thank the members of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the Postulator of the Cause, Dr. Silvia Correale, the Archbishop of Santa Maria, Mons. Leomar Antônio Brustolin, and all people, communities, and institutions who, over the years, have collaborated with faith and dedication and continue to support the Cause of Canonization of the now Venerable João Luiz Pozzobon.
This recognition fills the entire Church with joy, especially the Archdiocese of Santa Maria and the Schoenstatt Family around the world, who see in it the affirmation of the relevance of his life and mission as a husband, father, permanent deacon, and tireless pilgrim of the Mother and Queen.
Santa Maria, June 20, 2025
Archdiocese of Santa Maria
National Presidium of the Apostolic Movement of Schoenstatt in Brazil
Translation: Sr. Francine-Marie Cooper