The Catholic Church follows a rigorous process for declaring someone a saint. This process includes five main steps, culminating in canonization, where the person is officially recognized as a saint. Before this, a candidate must go through beatification, an essential step in the journey.
Beatification vs. Canonization
Beatification
Beatification is the third step in the sainthood process. When a person is beatified, they are given the title “Blessed”, and they can be venerated in specific regions or religious communities. To be beatified, a candidate must be recognized for their heroic virtues or martyrdom, and at least one miracle must be attributed to their intercession (except in the case of martyrs).
Canonization
Canonization is the final step in becoming a saint. It is a formal declaration by the Pope that the person is in heaven and can be universally venerated by the Church. For canonization, an additional miracle must be attributed to the Blessed individual after their beatification, proving their intercession.
How Many Miracles Are Required to Become a Saint?
A candidate must have:
- One miracle for beatification (unless they were a martyr).
- A second miracle for canonization (including martyrs).
Thus, a total of two miracles is typically required to become a saint, unless the person is a martyr, in which case only one miracle is needed for canonization.
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The Process of Canonization in the Catholic Church
Canonization is the final step in the Catholic Church’s process of officially recognizing a person as a saint. It is a formal declaration by the Pope that the individual is in heaven and can be universally venerated by the faithful. This process is rigorous and involves thorough investigation, verification of miracles, and a final papal proclamation.
5 Steps to Sainthood
The canonization process consists of five main stages, beginning with the title “Servant of God” and culminating in full sainthood.
1. Servant of God – Opening of the Cause
The process begins at least five years after a person’s death (though this waiting period can be waived by the Pope, as was done for St. Teresa of Calcutta and Pope John Paul II). A local bishop petitions the Vatican to open an investigation into the candidate’s life.
If the Congregation for the Causes of Saints (CCS) in Rome approves the request, the candidate is given the title “Servant of God.” The Church then begins gathering evidence of the person’s holiness, heroic virtues, and devotion to God. This includes:
- Examining the person’s writings, teachings, and actions.
- Conducting interviews with witnesses.
- Verifying that the candidate led a life of heroic virtue.
2. Venerable – Recognition of Heroic Virtue
Once the Church confirms that the candidate lived a life of heroic virtue (exemplifying faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance), the Pope grants the title “Venerable.” At this stage, the person is not yet beatified or canonized but is recognized as having lived a life of great holiness.
3. Beatification – Becoming “Blessed”
To be beatified, the Church requires one verified miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession (except in the case of martyrs). The process for verifying a miracle involves:
- Medical and scientific investigation to confirm that the miracle has no natural explanation.
- Theological review to ensure the miracle resulted from the intercession of the candidate.
- Final approval by the Pope, who then declares the person “Blessed.”
Once beatified, the candidate may be venerated in a specific region or religious order associated with their life. However, they are not yet recognized as a universal saint.
4. Canonization – Declaration of Sainthood
For canonization, the Church requires a second miracle (even for martyrs). The second miracle must occur after beatification and must again be scientifically inexplicable and attributed to the candidate’s intercession.
After verification, the Pope makes a formal declaration of sainthood in a solemn canonization Mass. This means:
- The saint is now venerated worldwide.
- They are added to the official list (canon) of saints.
- Churches and shrines can be dedicated in their honor.
5. Universal Veneration and Feast Day
Once canonized, the saint is given a feast day, and the faithful worldwide can seek their intercession. They are now an official role model for Catholics and are honored in prayers, liturgies, and devotion.
In Conclusion
The process of canonization is a meticulous journey that ensures only the most virtuous and holy individuals are recognized as saints. It requires heroic virtue, rigorous investigation, and confirmed miracles to affirm the candidate’s sanctity. Ultimately, canonization is a declaration of the Church’s belief that the saint is in heaven, interceding for the faithful and serving as a model of Christian holiness. Read more about Saints & Relics.
