A 21-year-old man from Manchester who died in 2018 is on the way to becoming the Catholic Church’s first Gen Z Saint.
Pedro Ballester has been put forward for beatification and canonisation by the Diocese of Salford, which has described him as “a man whose life of faith and witness continues to inspire many.”
Pedro was born in Manchester in 1996 and grew up in a Catholic family. He was widely known for his warmth, generosity and dedication. In his late teens, he committed his life fully to God.
Shortly after beginning university, Pedro was diagnosed with advanced pelvic cancer. The diocese said he accepted his illness with “remarkable faith, offering his suffering for the Pope, the Church and all souls, and bearing his condition with deep serenity and trust in God.”
Since his death, his reputation for holiness has continued to grow significantly, and a Cause, which is the first step on the path to potential sainthood, has been opened. Members of the public are now being asked to submit information that may help to build a full picture of Pedro’s life, virtues and reputation for holiness. This includes personal testimonies, memories and any writings attributed to him, such as letters or diaries.
The diocese said this marks an important step in “recognising the life and witness of a young man whose example of faith, especially in the face of suffering, continues to resonate with many people today.”
Pedro was a member of the Catholic organisation Opus Dei, which emphasises integrating Christian faith with daily professional and family life. He committed himself to celibacy in his teens.
He became a student at Imperial College London studying chemical engineering, but after just one term was diagnosed with advanced cancer of the pelvis.
In December 2014, after only one term of studies, Pedro was diagnosed with advanced cancer of the pelvis. He returned to Manchester to receive treatment and be close to his parents, but had already won the respect of his colleagues and teachers.
Pedro was able to transfer his degree to the University of Manchester in September 2015, with the hope that he could continue studying while receiving treatment.
He was able to meet Pope Francis in Rome in November 2015, but over the next three years, his condition worsened.
In 2017, Pedro was alternating between stays in hospital and at an Opus Dei centre, Greygarth Hall. He’s said to have sought to bring his many visitors closer to God.
Pedro’s funeral was held in Holy Name church in Manchester, which was packed with over 500 people, including 40 priests.
Fr Joseph Evans, Chaplain of Greygarth Hall, said: “Suffering was the curriculum, the syllabus, which Pedro was given to study, not in some abstract, intellectual manner, but in the most personal, flesh and blood manner you can imagine. And he passed with distinction.”
Pedro was awarded a posthumous Master's in Engineering degree by the University of Manchester, the first-ever posthumous degree awarded by the School of Chemical Engineering.
Less than a month before he died, Pedro told a group of friends that despite being close to death, he had “never been happier”.
Pedro’s supporters say they are convinced that Pedro lived a holy life with the grace of God, and are praying that the Church will eventually recognise his holiness.