Pope Declares Alvaro del Portillo "Venerable"

On June 28, Benedict XVI signed a decree that recognizes the "heroic virtues" of Alvaro del Portillo, the first successor of St. Josemaría Escrivá.

This is an important step in his beatification process. It means that Benedict XVI recognizes that “Don Alvaro” exemplified heroic Christian virtues in his life.

The Vatican is also studying a documented miracle attributed to the intercession of Alvaro del Portillo. If approved by experts, theologians and of course the Pope, his beatification could follow.