Pope Francis on Saturday recognized the heroic virtue of the life of a 17^th century Italian Jesuit missionary who evangelized – and mapped – much of what is now northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. On July 11, the pope formally recognized the life of Servant of God Eusebio Kino, S.J., as one of heroic virtue.

Kino, an explorer and missionary, took part in numerous expeditions through the American Southwest and is widely considered an apostle to the native population of Arizona, and defender of their rights. Bishop James Wall of the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico, welcomed the announcement on Saturday. “Growing up in Arizona, I first learned of Padre Kino in elementary school,” Wall told CNA.