New Saints Simon, Charles, Anne and George

Pope Benedict canonised four new saints, people who worked in Ireland, France, Poland and Malta. The Pontiff told thousands of pilgrims braving pouring rain in St. Peter's Square that the new saints, whose lives spanned from the 15th to the 20th century, would be spiritual guides for the Roman Catholic faithful.

"May these new saints accompany you with their prayers and inspire you by the example of their holy lives," he said.

Heads of state from Ireland, Malta, Poland and the Philippines attended the canonisation - the final moment on the long path to sainthood during which the Church examines the holiness of a person's life and verifies claims of miracles attributed to their intercession with God.

The four new saints are: Simon of Lipnica, a monk who lived in 15th century Poland; Charles of St. Andrew, a Dutch preacher who worked in Ireland where he was known as Charles of Mount Argus; Anne Marie Eugenie, who gave her life to religious teaching in 19th century France; and George Preca, a Maltese preacher who died in 1962. – Reuters