In a ceremony at the iconic Cathedral of Luján in Argentina, Cardinal Eduardo Francisco Pironio, a living testament to unyielding faith and an embodiment of justice, was beatified on December 16th, 2023. Originating from the heart of Argentina, Cardinal Pironio's life was an anthem dedicated to championing human rights, fostering peace, and nurturing dialogue. His legacy took on a new dimension when Pope Francis approved a miracle of healing attributed to the intercession of the late Cardinal. This miraculous healing involved Juan Manuel Franco, a tender 15-month-old from Argentina. In an exclusive interview with the postulator of Cardinal Pironio’s Canonization Fr. Toni Wilter, EWTN Vatican’s Ary Ramos explores the odyssey of Cardinal Pironio to beatification and possible canonization as a saint.   

What details can you tell us about the miracle received by little Juan Manuel Franco through the intercession of Cardinal Pironio?    

It was a case that occurred in 2006, on December 1st, (...). This 15-month-old child ingested and inhaled glitter (...). This is a very serious poison for a child of this age. It happened around 5:00 PM. (...) The concerned mother took the child to the hospital. He was already experiencing respiratory problems. Later, he was transferred to the intensive care unit in another hospital. The situation was extremely critical as they had to provide artificial respiration.  

The following day, there was a march of hope promoted by Cardinal Pironio when he was the bishop of Mar del Plata. It was precisely on this occasion that the parish priest gave Juan Franco's mother a booklet with the prayer for invoking Pironio, and she began seeking intercession for her child. On the cardinal's birthday, December 3rd, an improvement was noted even though the situation was very serious. And on the 5th, the child could be detached from artificial respiration. This was on the day of Pironio's priestly ordination, December 8th, a very special day for Pironio, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. On that day, the child was moved t the intensive care unit.    

For the doctors, this was a surprise.    

Speaking of what distinguishes the example of Cardinal Eduardo Francisco Pironio, Fr. Wilter said,  

What distinguishes Pironio in a particular way is his hope. He was truly a herald of hope. He derived this hope from his relationship with Jesus Christ. (...) One cannot separate faith, hope, and love; they are always together because they compliment each other. (...) Pironio gave hope to those who were disappointed and worried; he could broaden horizons. (...) Another thing that distinguishes Pironio was his humility. Precisely because of his humility, he treated people in a way that they did not feel oppressed but welcomed and understood. (...) Another element to mention is that, precisely because of this humility, he was dedicated to giving his life, offering his life; he offered his life to the church, especially in his illness.  

In his final days, Cardinal Pironio suffered from cancer. He chose to forgo morphine, instead offering up his pain in prayer, so that even with his last breath, he served the Church and her people. 

Adapted by Jacob Stein