Saints Library
Canonization Process
Understand how the Church investigates and recognizes sanctity.
From local reputation to the universal Church
The process normally begins only after a person’s death and examines writings, witnesses, reputation for holiness, heroic virtue or martyrdom, and reported miracles. The titles Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed, and Saint mark different conclusions in that process; they are not interchangeable.
This reference page complements the fuller doctrinal treatment already maintained in the teaching library.