On June 28, in Rome, the Pope signed a decree that recognizes the heroic virtues of Alvaro del Portillo. He was the first successor to St. Josemaría Escrivá, who founded Opus Dei. He was also the person who worked most closely with him. 

This is an important step in his beatification process. It means that Benedict XVI recognizes that “Don Alvaro” exemplified heroic Christian virtues in his life.

The Vatican is also studying a documented miracle attributed to the intercession of Alvaro del Portillo. If approved by experts, theologians and of course the Pope, his beatification could follow. 

Alvaro del Portillo was born in Madrid, Spain in 1914. His mother was Mexican, and his father Spanish. He studied Civil Engineering, Philosophy and Theology.

He was one of the first members of Opus Dei and worked closely with St. Josemaria. It was St. Josemaria who encouraged him to become a priest.

He took part in preparing the Second Vatican Council, and during the Council served as Secretary of the Commission for the Discipline of the Clergy and Christian People. This commission issued the Presbyterorum Ordinis decree, which deals with the role of priests. 

After St. Josemaria’s death in 1975, he was named his first successor. 

He led Opus Dei for almost 20 years. During that time, he assisted its expansion to 20 new countries. He also launched social and educational initiatives in Congo, Nigeria, Philippines, Brazil, Spain and Italy, including the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. 

He died on March 23, 1994 in Rome, just days after turning 80. That same day, John Paul II, who considered him a good friend, went to pray before his mortal remains. 

The beatification process also includes analyzing the pros and cons of his life and virtues.  So far, 133 people have been interviewed.  Of these, 62 are from Opus Dei, and 71 do not belong to the prelature. Among the witnesses there are 19 cardinals and 12 archbishops and bishops.