First black priest in U.S., an ex-slave, positioned for sainthood

(Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Springfield via AP)This undated shows Quincy's Father Augustine Tolton. Pope Francis has positioned for sainthood a former slave and the first known black priest in America. The pontiff on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, declared the Rev. Augustine Tolton of Quincy "venerable." The Diocese of Springfield announced that the designation means that Tolton lived a life of "heroic virtue." Church officials are investigating possible miracles attributed to Tolton which could lead to his canonization. Springfield, Ill. • Pope Francis has deemed the first known black Roman Catholic priest in the United States to be “venerable,” positioning the former slave for possible sainthood.

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