The Diocese of Rouen has opened the canonisation Cause of Fr Jacques Hamel, who was murdered while celebrating Mass last year.
Archbishop Dominique Lebrun of Rouen announced the news at a Chrism Mass, where all the diocesan priests were gathered, according to La Croix.
Fr Paul Vigouroux, vice-chancellor of the diocese, has been appointed postulator of the Cause.
Normally after a candidate for canonisation has died there is a five-year waiting period before any Cause can begin. Pope Francis granted a dispensation from this rule in the case of Fr Hamel.
