A lot of people are curious: How does the Catholic Church canonize saints? It starts with a five-year wait after death, then a diocese investigates a life of heroic virtue. The Vatican reviews, declaring “Venerable,” then “Blessed” after one miracle (or martyrdom), and “Saint” after a second. Miracles are verified, and the pope finalizes it, honoring holiness (CCC 828).
Canonization is the Church’s formal declaration that a deceased person is a saint in heaven, worthy of public veneration and intercession. It’s the final step in recognizing holiness (CCC 828).
Any baptized Catholic who lived a life of heroic virtue—faith, hope, charity—and died in God’s grace can be considered. Martyrs and those with exceptional holiness are prime candidates.
It starts with a five-year wait after death (unless waived by the pope). A diocese opens a cause, gathering evidence of virtue or martyrdom, naming the person a “Servant of God.”
The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints reviews the life and writings. If approved, they’re declared “Venerable,” meaning they lived heroic virtue but aren’t yet venerated publicly.
One miracle attributed to their intercession is needed (waived for martyrs). After verification by experts and papal approval, they’re beatified, earning the title “Blessed” (CCC 2028).
A second miracle after beatification, confirmed by the Vatican, leads to canonization. The pope declares them a saint in a formal ceremony, adding them to the canon of saints.
Medical and theological experts investigate healings—sudden, complete, lasting, and inexplicable by science—linked to the candidate’s intercession. The pope has final say.
To honor God’s work in holy lives, offer role models for the faithful, and affirm their intercessory power in heaven. It’s not worship but veneration (CCC 957, 1173).
It varies—decades or centuries. St John Paul II streamlined it, but cases like St Joan of Arc took 489 years. Modern cases, like Mother Teresa’s (1997-2003), can move faster.
See the Catechism (CCC 828, 957), Vatican documents on canonization, or books like Making Saints by Kenneth Woodward for a deep dive into the process.
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