Which of the following famous personalities was conferred sainthood by Pope Francis in the year 2016?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Mother Teresa

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The process of canonisation, through which the Catholic Church declares a person a saint, attracts worldwide attention, especially when it involves personalities who have worked extensively in India. In 2016, Pope Francis declared an internationally known figure, famous for her service to the poor in India, as a saint. This question checks whether you can correctly recall which of the listed individuals was canonised in that particular year.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The canonisation took place in 2016 under Pope Francis.
  • Options include Mary Euphrasia, Kuriakose, Sister Alphonsa, and Mother Teresa.
  • We assume basic awareness of notable Catholics associated with India who have been declared saints.


Concept / Approach:
Mother Teresa, also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary who founded the Missionaries of Charity and dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in India. She was canonised by Pope Francis on 4 September 2016. Sister Alphonsa (Saint Alphonsa) and Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara were canonised earlier, years before 2016. Mary Euphrasia is not the one associated with the 2016 event in widely reported news about India. Therefore, the correct option for sainthood conferred in 2016 is Mother Teresa.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall the major canonisation event linked to India that occurred in 2016 under Pope Francis. Step 2: Remember that Mother Teresa of Calcutta, known globally for her humanitarian work, was declared a saint in that year. Step 3: Check the other names: Sister Alphonsa and Kuriakose Elias Chavara were canonised in earlier years, not in 2016. Step 4: Confirm that Mother Teresa is the only person among the options whose canonisation date matches 2016. Step 5: Select Mother Teresa as the final answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Media coverage around 2016 often used the phrase "canonisation of Mother Teresa" and highlighted her as "Saint Teresa of Calcutta." Many competitive exam questions from that period focused on this event, making it a widely known fact. Additionally, if you recall that Sister Alphonsa was declared a saint in 2008 and Kuriakose Elias Chavara in 2014, the year 2016 clearly identifies Mother Teresa as the correct choice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Mary Euphrasia: Not the figure widely reported as canonised in 2016 in connection with India.
  • Kuriakose: Refers to Kuriakose Elias Chavara, who was canonised earlier and not in 2016.
  • Sister Alphonsa: Saint Alphonsa was canonised in 2008, so her canonisation year does not match 2016.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusion often arises because several Indian or India associated Catholic figures have been canonised in the last few decades. Without remembering the specific years, candidates may guess incorrectly. Another pitfall is to overlook the global news prominence that Mother Teresa's canonisation had compared to other events. Keeping a simple timeline of major canonisations related to India helps avoid such errors in exams.


Final Answer:
The personality who was conferred sainthood by Pope Francis in 2016 is Mother Teresa.

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