Paying tribute to Saint Teresa of Kolkata, Pope Francis official twitter handle posted: "Let us carry Mother Teresa's smile in our hearts and give it to those whom we meet along our journey."
In 1997, at the time of her death, St Teresa's Missionaries of Charity had over 3,000 members. 19 years later, as the popularity grew further, the mission has over 5,000 members.
Pope Francis praised Mother Teresa as the merciful saint who defended the lives of the unborn, sick and abandoned - and who shamed world leaders for the "crimes of poverty they themselves created." Speaking from the steps of St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis said St Teresa, "made her voice heard before the powers of the world, so that they might recognize their guilt for the crimes of poverty they themselves created." As if to emphasize the point, Francis repeated the "the crimes of poverty they themselves created."
Applause erupted in St Peter's Square even before Pope Francis finished pronouncing the rite of canonisation at the start of Mass, evidence of the admiration for Mother Teresa enjoyed from Christians and non-Christians alike.
"For the honour of the Blessed Trinity... we declare and define Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (Kolkata) to be a Saint and we enroll her among the Saints, decreeing that she is to be venerated as such by the whole Church," the pontiff said in Latin.
#MotherTeresa's canonisation ceremony underway at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican City pic.twitter.com/7uRJmEqvv8
- ANI (@ANI_news) September 4, 2016
Mother Teresa's legacy complements Pope Francis's vision of a humble church that strives to serve the poor, and the festivities are a highlight of his Holy Year of Mercy, which runs until November 8.
Mother Theresa Church located on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram is the first church named after Mother Teresa in India.
Mother Teresa would have been 106-year-old if she was alive today. To mark the glorious years, Mamata Banerjee presented a bouquet of 106 roses through a delegate at Mother House, the world headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity.
A symbol of service&compassion.Mother Teresa showed the world the extraordinary power of love.We celebrate 2day that enduring legacy of love
- Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 4, 2016
#MotherTeresa will be canonized today by @Pontifex at the Vatican. pic.twitter.com/5vQYA7rjyg
- NDTV (@ndtv) September 4, 2016
#MotherTeresa 's canonisation : A statue of Mother Teresa unveiled at Seashore St. Anthony's Shrine in Chennai pic.twitter.com/MeCeVyeLGa
- ANI (@ANI_news) September 4, 2016
Mother Teresa, best known for her work in Kolkata slum, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. A global icon, she was an inspiration for millions.
Clockwise: Mother Teresa with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, British royal Princess Diana and former US President Ronald Reagan. (AFP file photos)Let us imitate Mother Teresa who made works of mercy the guide of her life and the path towards holiness.
- Pope Francis (@Pontifex) September 3, 2016