Pope Canonises Friar Galvao

A crowd of one million in São Paulo witness the canonisation of a new saint, with Pope Benedict XVI himself conferring the honours.

Pope Benedict XVI, still in São Paulo, continues to be busy as a bee.

To the cheers of up to a million people, the good Pope has officially canonised the first Brazilian-born saint. With a multitude of bishops and choirs surrounding him and a giant wooden cross stretched heavenward as if to leave no doubt that God Himself approves, the Pope made the announcement of sainthood.

The lucky saint, no longer alive to fully appreciate the honour, is the long-dead Friar Galvao, who lived in the 18th century.

Friar Galvao swam through the qualifications proceedings after the church attributed two miracles to him. Saint Galvao, as he is now to be known, remains a popular and influential figure in Brazil.