Pope names 14 new saints, including martyrs of Damascus
Pope names 14 new saints, including martyrs of Damascus

Pope Francis presides over a ceremony attended by thousands at St.

Peter's square, Vatican City, to canonise 14 individuals and so create a new group of saints.

Canonisation is the final step towards sainthood in the Catholic Church, following beatification.

Three conditions are required -- most crucially that the individual has performed at least two miracles.

He or she must be deceased for at least five years and have led an exemplary Christian life.