Canonization

Canonization is the solemn declaration by the Pope that a deceased member of the faithful, who lived a life of heroic virtue and whose intercession has been confirmed by verified miracles, is definitively in Heaven and is to be venerated by the universal Church (CCC 828).

The Process

Canonization is the end of a multi-stage process. The local church opens an inquiry into the life and virtues of a candidate (Servant of God). If heroic virtue is confirmed, the Pope may declare them Venerable. A verified miracle leads to Beatification — making them "Blessed" and permitting local veneration. A second verified miracle (or, for martyrs, sometimes none) leads to Canonization and universal veneration (CCC 828).

What Canonization Declares

Canonization is an exercise of papal authority: the Church definitively teaches that this person is in Heaven with God. It does not mean only canonized saints are in Heaven — the vast majority of the saved are unknown. It means the Church has sufficient certainty about this particular person to hold them up as a model and intercessor for all the faithful (CCC 828).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are miracles required for canonization? For non-martyrs, yes — the Church requires at least two verified miracles (one for Beatification, one for Canonization) as a sign of God's confirmation. For martyrs, the martyrdom itself can substitute for miracles, as it is considered the ultimate witness to the faith (CCC 828).

Can a canonized saint lose their status? No. Canonization is an infallible declaration. However, some historical saints have been removed from the universal calendar when scholarship determined their existence was legendary — not because they are no longer saints, but because their historical reality could not be confirmed.