A decree that brings him closer to sainthood
On Thursday, December 18, 2025, the Vatican announced the pontifical approval of a miracle attributed to the intercession of Enrique Shaw, an Argentine layman, husband, father of nine children, and businessman who died in 1962. Pope Leo XIV authorized the promulgation of the corresponding decree, following the favorable opinion of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, reported by its prefect, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro. This step is essential to proceed with the beatification of Shaw, who would be the first businessman officially recognized as blessed.
The miracle: a medically inexplicable healing
The event recognized as miraculous is the complete and without sequelae healing of a five-year-old boy who, in June 2015, suffered a very serious head injury from a horse kick. After 45 days in critical condition and five surgeries, doctors scheduled the implantation of a permanent drainage valve in the brain. However, during a routine check-up prior to the operation, the surgeon discovered that the fluid was draining spontaneously and the intracranial pressure had normalized, making the operation unnecessary. The child's family, linked to the Christian Association of Business Leaders (ACDE) founded by Shaw, had started a prayer chain asking for his intercession.
A role model for the working world
The news was received with joy by the Argentine Episcopal Conference, which highlighted Shaw's shining testimony and his commitment to a "humane, just, and supportive enterprise." Monsignor Santiago Olivera, military bishop and vice-postulator of the cause, described Shaw as "a great model" and a providential example of "solidarity economy" that invites social friendship and understanding of business as a community. Enrique Shaw (1921-1962) was managing director of Cristalerías Rigolleau, founder and first president of the ACDE, and a member of the first council of the Catholic University of Argentina. He actively promoted the Social Doctrine of the Church and the Family Allowances Law.
Next steps and institutional reactions
Following the approval of the miracle, the next step is the beatification ceremony, the date and location of which in Buenos Aires will be coordinated between the Archbishopric, the ACDE, Catholic Action Argentina, and the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. In a joint statement, the ACDE and Catholic Action expressed "immense joy" and emphasized that the future beatification is "an urgent invitation to humanize the economy and work for the dignity of work." Shaw's cause, which began decades ago, passed the recognition of his heroic virtues in April 2021 and, in June 2025, the unanimous approval of the Commission of Theologians on the miracle.
Original source: www.aciprensa.com (published December 18, 2025)
Photo: Klara Kulikova on Unsplash
