Queen Isabel the Catholic
Queen Isabel the Catholic changed the face of the world. She was instrumental in the defence of Christianity in Europe; she sponsored the discovery of America; began the largest evangelisation campaign since the Apostles; won the longest war in history; promoted women and prohibited slavery; was a devoted wife and mother of five; and she codified universal human rights.
Isabel loved Christ. She made herself God’s humble instrument and God worked mightily through her. We believe that Isabel, as a great laywoman, is a vital model for today, not only for girls, wives, mothers, women leaders and government rulers, but for all men and women seeking to love God and love their neighbour in every aspect of their daily lives.
The Vatican recognises Queen Isabel as a Servant of God. Every day we pray that God’s infinite majesty may be glorified in her prompt canonization. We pray also through Isabel’s intercession for justice, compassion, peace and for all those goods which God in His everlasting love yearns to pour out upon humanity, His children.
There is today a global crisis in public life, a murderous struggle over the proper relation between Church and State, between faith and politics. Although she had enemies, Queen Isabel was adored by her people and admired around the world. She proves that a sovereign can live the Catholic faith to the full, and that it is precisely this combination—capable and courageous leaders who believe in a God of love—which draws the greatest blessings on mankind, bringing peace, order and lasting prosperity.
