Becoming a Saint

Canonization is the formal process the Catholic Church uses to declare someone is a saint

What is a saint?

"The Church through the Pope solemnly declares a Catholic to be united with God in heaven, an intercessory to God on behalf of the living, and worthy of public and universal veneration." (USCCB)

 The purpose of a cause of canonization is to examine one's life and death to determine (a) if he/she were martyred or (b) lived a life of virtue.

1. (Arch)diocesan Phase

1. A petition to open a cause is made to an (arch)diocese.
2. After the (arch)bishop opens the cause, the person is declared a "Servant of God." The (arch)diocese investigates how the person lived a "heroic, virtuous life" through a full theological examination of his/her writings and interviews of witnesses; for martyrdom, by examining the circumstances of martyrdom and the person's life.
3. The person responsible for this investigation is the postulator.

2. Vatican Phase

1. All of the documentation collected is sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints for examination.
2. Documentation is sent to the members of the Congregation (cardinals and bishops).
3. If the staff and Congregation find it favorable, it goes to the Pope.
4. The Pope may declare the person "Venerable."

3. Becoming a "Blessed"

1. A miracle attributed to the intercession of the person must be verified after examination by medical experts and theologians (a miracle is not mandatory for a martyr).
2. Pope declares the person "Blessed."

4. Becoming a Saint

1. A second verified miracle is attributed to the person. 
2. The Pope approves formal recognition of the person as a saint. This is done in a Canonization Mass. ​

Learn more about saints and the canonization process here 

Meet the American saints