In a statement issued today–the first anniversary of Mr Bhatti’s death–the president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland and Archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, expressed his hope that the Church will look into the option of canonising Mr Bhatti. Appointed federal minister for minorities, a cabinet position in Pakistan’s government, Mr Bhatti (above) took up the cause of religious freedom, speaking out against persecution and in so doing knowingly put his life in danger. Noting that the canonisation process normally begins five years after the candidate’s death, Cardinal O’Brien (below) said: “When that time comes I believe the Church should very seriously examine the question of whether Shahbaz Bhatti might be declared a saint. “It would be wonderful to think that… Shahbaz Bhatti could become a patron for Justice and Peace in Pakistan or ilndeed Asia.” He added his hope that Latin America’s Archbishop Oscar Romero might one day become one of the patron saints of Central and South America as well.