Francisco Marto

Francisco Marto, born on June 11, 1908, in Aljustrel, Fátima, Portugal, was one of the three children, including his sister Jacinta and cousin Lúcia, who reported witnessing apparitions of the Angel of Peace in 1916 and the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1917. The Virgin Mary's apparitions to the children occurred at Cova da Iria and became known as Our Lady of Fátima. Francisco was known for his devout nature and contemplative personality, often preferring to pray alone. He was deeply moved by the apparitions and dedicated himself to prayer and penance as requested by the Virgin Mary. Despite his young age, Francisco's faith and sacrifices demonstrated a maturity beyond his years. He succumbed to influenza on April 4, 1919, and was later canonized as a saint by Pope Francis on May 13, 2017, alongside his sister Jacinta. Francisco's legacy continues to inspire pilgrims and devotees worldwide, and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima remains a significant pilgrimage site.