Will John Paul II’s brother be declared a saint?

There is a possibility that not only John Paul II's parents but also his brother could be canonized by the Church.

St. John Paul II is one of the most beloved saints of the 21st century, and his sanctity was nourished already with the formation he received in the Wojtyła household.

In 2020, the Archbishop of Krakow, Poland, received approval from the Vatican to investigate the lives of John Paul II’s parents, Karol Wojtyła, Sr., and Emilia nee Kaczorowska. Once a thorough investigation of their lives is complete, the Vatican will consider whether or not to grant them the title, “venerable.”

Recently a press conference in Poland explored the idea of canonizing John Paul II’s brother, Edmund Wojtyła.

Edmund Wojtyła was a medical doctor who served patients during a scarlet fever epidemic.

Despite the risks to his own personal health, Edmund continued his practice, putting himself in danger.

Edmund died at the age of 26, treating a young girl with scarlet fever. The sacrifice of his life was praised by many who knew him, and it made a profound impact on St. John Paul II.

Those present at the press conference in Poland pointed out the new category of martyrdom that Pope Francis approved, the “offering of life.” This could apply to anyone who sacrifices their life for another person, such as Edmund, who died while treating a patient with scarlet fever.

Nothing official has begun for the cause of Edmund, but the idea has been proposed and could be pursued to consider the holiness of St. John Paul II’s brother.