10 Most Famous Saints Who Influenced the World

The saints are holy people who lived a life full of virtues and are usually considered to reach heaven after death. In Catholic and Orthodox Churches, people who are formally recognized and canonized after death are called saints. For ages and ages, the common masses have embraced the values of these saints, their life stories, and their legends.

Here are the most famous saints from diverse religions and spiritual traditions.

1. Mother Teresa

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Born in Skopje, Mother Teresa was a true disciple of Christ who was beatified in 2003 and canonized as a saint in 2016 by the Catholic Church and Pope Francis. She wholeheartedly dedicated all her life to the care and service of the poor. In 1950, she laid the foundation of a Roman Catholic religious congregation named ‘Missionaries of Charity’. 

In 2012, it had more than 4500 sisters and was operational in 13 countries. She received many honors including Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize in 1962. She is a historical woman hero who devoted her life to humanity.

2. Mirabai

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As recognized by scholars, Mirabai was one of the most celebrated central poet-saints of the Bhakti movement. A Hindu mystic poet and big devotee of Lord Krishna, she was the child of Ratna Singh Rathore of Merta. She is known to have composed many devotional songs. After her husband Bhojraj’s death, she devoted herself entirely to religious pursuits and sang praises of Lord Krishna.

3. Joan of Arc

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Also known as The Maid of Orleans, Joan of Arc was regarded as the heroine of France and because of her significant role at the time of the Lancastrian phase of the Hundred Years’ Wars. She was beatified in 1909 and canonized in 1920. She is among the nine secondary patron saints of France.

4. Saint Nicholas

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A historic Christian saint, Saint Nicholas was also called Nikolaos the Wonderworker because of his several miracles attributed to intercession. It’s his secret and legendary gift-giving habit that influenced Santa Claus (St. Nick). He is venerated in several Christian traditions.

5. Pope John Paul II

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Some Catholics call him Saint John Paul the Great, he is Pope John Paul II. He served as the Pope of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City during 1978-2005. He is one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the 20th century. He traveled around the world and shared the message of religious values.

6. Buddha

Source = Huffingtonpost

A figure of primal importance in Buddhism religion, Gautam Buddha or Siddhartha Gautama or simply Buddha was an ascetic and sage. He was a privileged prince who renounced the luxurious life and turned to asceticism. After attaining nirvana, he spent the rest of his life imparting life teachings and taking disciples mostly in the eastern part of ancient India around 4th to 6th BC.

7. Sai Baba of Shirdi

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Sai Baba of Shirdi, or Shirdi Sai Baba, was an Indian spiritual master and was revered by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. He has been regarded as a fakir, saint, satguru, and Lord Shiva’s incarnation. His devotees consider him to be creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the universe. His idols are adorned with jewels and all kinds of Hindu Vedic deities as he is the supreme God.

8. Dalai Lama

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Dalai Lama is the political as well as spiritual leader of Tibetans. One of the scholar-saints, he practices non-violent opposition to Chinese rule while adhering to Buddhist values and traditions of compassion and forgiveness.

9. Mahavira

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Lord Mahavira or Vardhamana was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. Born into a royal family around the 6th century BC, he gave up all the worldly possessions to lead a life of an ascetic at the age of 30. Practicing severe austerities and intense meditation for the next 12 and a half years, he is known to have acquired Kevala Jnana (omniscience). Before attaining nirvana, he gained enlightenment and preached the Jain religion to his disciples.

10. Mary Magdalene

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Mary Magdalene is regarded as a saint by churches of different Christian traditions. Other Protestant churches commemorate her as a heroine of faith. She is one of the most important women in the Bible and several legends surround her. One of the most devoted disciples of Jesus, she is believed to have witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and visit his tomb.