Vatican City (Fides) - On Friday 20 December Pope John Paul II approved decrees regarding the heroic virtues practised by a number of holy men and women and miracles attributed to their intercession. Among them a little woman loved the world over for her work among the poor, Mother Teresa. In his address the Pope described briefly the merits of each: Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997) "the emblem of Christian charity" Rev Carlo Gnocchi (1902-1956) "a prophet of solidarity and peace" for innocent victims of war. Mission "ad gentes" marked the life of Daniele Comboni (1831-1881), evangeliser of Africa, Arnoldo Janssen (1837-1909) founder of missionary institutes, Fr Josef Freinademetz (1852-1908) who carried out his apostolate among the people of China, where he died and was buried. Fr Giacomo Alberione (1884-1971) "apostle of the media." Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, Prefect of the Congregation for the causes of saints said that the "teaching of these men and women is living and effective today. It re-proposes the centrality of Christ in the life of the Church and that of the individual Christian". See complete list of decrees (Fides Service 21/12/2002)