To become a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, a formal process called canonization is followed, which generally occurs after a person’s death and involves several key steps:
Steps to Becoming a Saint
- Waiting Period
Typically, the process begins at least five years after the candidate’s death to allow for objective evaluation, though this waiting period can be waived by the Pope in exceptional cases (e.g., Mother Teresa, John Paul II)
- Servant of God
A formal request is submitted to the bishop of the diocese where the person died. The bishop investigates the candidate’s life, virtues, and reputation for holiness. If there is sufficient evidence, the case is sent to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and the individual is titled "Servant of God"
- Venerable
The Congregation reviews the evidence, including writings and testimonies, to determine if the candidate lived a life of heroic virtue or martyrdom. If affirmed, the Pope declares the person "Venerable"
- Beatification (Blessed)
For non-martyrs, one verified miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession is required for beatification. Martyrs can be beatified without a miracle. Beatification allows for local or regional veneration
- Canonization (Saint)
After beatification, a second verified miracle is usually required for canonization, which is the official declaration of sainthood by the Pope. Once canonized, the saint can be universally venerated and publicly invoked in prayers
Virtues and Miracles
- The candidate must demonstrate heroic virtue, including the four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, temperance, courage) and three theological virtues (faith, hope, charity)
- Miracles, often healings, are investigated rigorously and must be attributed to the candidate’s intercession after death
Summary
Becoming a saint is a rigorous, multi-step process involving investigation of the candidate’s life, recognition of heroic virtue or martyrdom, and verification of miracles. It culminates in a papal declaration that the person is in heaven and worthy of universal veneration
. This process ensures that saints serve as models of holiness and faith for the Church.
