Beatification

Beatification is the second major step in the canonization process, by which the Pope declares a deceased servant of God to be among the blessed in Heaven and authorizes their public veneration by a particular church, region, or religious family (CCC 828).

The Process

After a person is declared Venerable (heroic virtue confirmed), the next step toward sainthood is Beatification. For martyrs, the martyrdom itself serves as the sign of God's confirmation, and no miracle is required. For confessors (non-martyrs), one verified miracle attributed to the candidate's intercession is required — typically a medically inexplicable healing. Once these requirements are met, the Pope may formally Beatify the person in a ceremony, granting them the title "Blessed" (CCC 828).

Blessed vs. Saint

"Blessed" designates a person whose heavenly intercession has been confirmed by at least one miracle and who may be publicly venerated — but only locally or by a particular group. Full canonization — Sainthood — extends veneration to the universal Church and typically requires a second verified miracle (CCC 828).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Beatification be reversed? In principle, new evidence that contradicted the original findings could lead to a reconsideration. In practice, Beatification and Canonization are considered exercises of the Church's charism of truth in a very strong (though not formally "infallible" in all cases) sense. Historical cases of saints being "removed" involved not a reversal of beatification but doubts about historical existence (CCC 828).

How long does canonization take? There is no required timeframe. Some causes proceed quickly — St. Teresa of Calcutta was canonized within 19 years of her death. Others take centuries. A cause can be opened no sooner than five years after death (CCC 828).