DHAKA: Pope Francis on Sunday named six new saints, including two from India, in a mass gathering tens of thousands of worshippers at Saint Peter’s Square.

Some 5,000 Indians were among those attending the mass to see Francis canonise Kuriakose Elias Chavara (1805-1871) and Euphrasia Eluvathingal (1877-1952).

Both were from Kerala and members of the ancient Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in southern India.

Chavara was founder of the Church’s first men’s congregation and helped start the first women's congregation.

Eluvathingal, also known as Rose, was part of the women’s congregation, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 2128 HRS, NOV 23, 2014