In June 2019, Pope Francis advanced the sainthood cause of Father Augustus Tolton, who was the first African American diocesan priest in the United States. Venerable Fr. Tolton, a former slave, was ordained in 1886 and is known for persevering against all odds in pursuit of his calling. He quietly devoted himself to his people, despite great difficulties and setbacks. https://tolton.archchicago.org/