Orlando, Fla., Feb 5, 2008 / 05:12 am
Karl von Habsburg, the last emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire moved a step closer to sainthood last week, the Orlando Sentinel reports. A Florida woman has claimed that by praying for the intercession of the emperor, she was cured from breast cancer.
The Baptist woman from Kissimmee, Florida received the ruler’s holy card from a friend, Paula Melancon, who became interested in Emperor von Habsburg on a trip to Europe. The cancer sufferer prayed that Karl intercede on her behalf.
Doctors as well as a judicial tribunal of the Diocese of Orlando agreed that there appears to be no medical explanation for the woman’s recovery.
Karl, who was emperor during World War I, opposed the war, censored obscene materials, closed brothels and increased the chaplains sent to troops. He was exiled and died of the flu at the age of 34. In 2004, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II.
Orlando Bishop Thomas Wenski said, "It is an honor for our diocese to be part of something that is larger than all of us. Miracles are not done for show. Jesus didn't do miracles because he was a showoff.”