Five Franciscan Friars Beatified as Georgia Martyrs in Savannah Ceremony

Five Spanish Franciscan friars who died for their faith in 1597 were beatified Saturday at the Savannah Convention Center in Georgia, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church in the American South.

Cardinal Frank Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, presided over the Mass of Beatification as Papal Legate. The ceremony began at 11 a.m. with doors opening to the public at 8 a.m. Due to high demand, the Diocese of Savannah had warned that the venue would be at capacity, and those without advance registration were turned away.

The five martyrs, known collectively as the Georgia Martyrs, are Pedro de Corpa, Blas Rodriguez de Cuacos, Miguel de Anon, Antonio de Badajoz, and Francisco de Verascola. They were killed between September 14 and 17, 1597, during a Guale uprising in what was then Spanish-controlled territory in present-day Georgia.

The revolt was sparked largely by Friar Pedro de Corpa's opposition to the polygamous practices of a young Guale leader named Juanillo. Despite their deaths, the Franciscan mission in the region continued, and the five friars have remained a significant part of the historical and spiritual legacy of the Catholic Church in the American South.

Pope Francis officially authorized the beatification on January 27, 2025. The Diocese of Savannah and the Order of Friars Minor had championed their cause for years, aiming to recognize their witness of faith and their defense of the sacrament of marriage.

For those unable to attend in person, the Mass was broadcast via the Diocese of Savannah's website and social media channels, as well as on EWTN. A Mass of Thanksgiving is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Savannah.