As archbishop of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis promoted the process of beatification for Enrique Shaw. He was a man of privilege who nevertheless stayed in touch with the problems of common workers. He knew his employees by name and was deeply concerned with them, working to avoid laying off more than 1,200 workers.
SILVIA CORREALE
Postulator of the Cause of Beatification
'Everyone recognizes the cordial, affectionate, paternal relationship that he had with the workers and how he always kept their needs in mind.'
EDUARDO FÉLIX VALDÉS
Argentine Ambassador to the Holy See
'That example of not always making the decision that was most efficient for his business is what struck the Pope about Shaw's personality.'
In 1936, Shaw joined the Argentine Navy when he was just 14-years-old. He started to teach soldiers about religion. He later studied at Harvard and became a prominent businessman. But Shaw kept in touch with Argentina's social problems.
SILVIA CORREALE
Postulator of the Cause of Beatification
'In Argentina, he organized a campaign to give people a family wage and provide certain benefits for the workers.'
Shaw was married and had nine children. He died of cancer in 1962 when he was just 41-years-old. Out of solidarity, more than 200 of his employees donated blood when he was sick. He said at the time, 'I can now say that the blood of workers runs in my veins.'
The process of beatification has already moved past the local phase and is now being considered in Rome. It will take at least two years until a decision is made.
