José Saraiva Martins was born in Gagos de Jarmelo, Portugal, on 6 January 1932 and professed as a Claretian in 1950. Ordained a priest on 16 March 1957, he taught theology at the Claretianum in Rome for a decade and served three terms as rector of the Pontifical Urbanian University (1977–88). Appointed Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education and titular Archbishop of Thuburnica in May 1988 (consecrated 2 July by Cardinal Casaroli), he became Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on 30 May 1998, serving until 9 July 2008.
As prefect he oversaw the modern saints' process, including the 2000 beatifications of Fatima seers Francisco and Jacinta Marto — “it was the children's heroism in their lives, their life of prayer, their turning to God that was truly holy,” he later said of their canonization. John Paul II created him a cardinal on 21 February 2001, with the deaconry of Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore; he became Cardinal-Bishop of Palestrina in February 2009. After retirement he served as postulator for the cause of José Sánchez del Río, canonized in 2016. His motto is Veritas in charitate — “truth in charity.”
Consequential Quotes
It was the children's heroism in their lives, their life of prayer, their turning to God that was truly holy.
With beatifications the Pope allows that locally or in specific religious families public devotion be rendered to a Servant of God; while with canonizations the blessed is declared a saint and the devotion becomes obligatory for the whole Church.
Major Works & Initiatives
Prefect for the Causes of Saints
A decade running the canonization process.
The Fatima beatifications
Oversaw the causes of Francisco and Jacinta.
Rector of the Urbaniana
Three terms at the missionary university.
Controversies
On the record
No significant public controversies reported.