Canonization

What Is Canonization?

Canonization is the formal process by which the Catholic Church recognizes that a person is in Heaven and may be publicly honored as a saint by the universal Church.

The Church does not make someone a saint.

Rather, canonization is the Church’s recognition that God has brought that person into eternal glory.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” — Matthew 25:21

What Is a Saint?

A saint is a person who has died in friendship with God and now shares fully in the life of Heaven.

All who are in Heaven are saints, even if their names are unknown to us.

Canonization concerns those whom the Church formally recognizes and presents as examples of holiness.

Why Does the Church Canonize Saints?

The Church canonizes saints for the benefit of the faithful.

Saints provide examples of Christian living and remind us that holiness is possible.

Their lives encourage believers to follow Christ more faithfully.

The Steps Toward Canonization

Servant of God

The process begins when the Church opens an official investigation into a person’s life, virtues, writings, and reputation for holiness.

Venerable

After careful study, the Pope may declare that the person lived a life of heroic virtue.

Blessed

Beatification usually requires a verified miracle attributed to the person’s intercession.

After beatification, the person receives the title “Blessed.”

Saint

Canonization generally requires a second verified miracle occurring after beatification.

The Pope then formally declares the person a saint of the universal Church.

Why Are Miracles Important?

Miracles serve as signs confirming that a person is with God and interceding for the Church.

The Church carefully investigates alleged miracles using both theological and scientific review.

Only those that cannot be explained by natural causes are considered.

Martyrs and Canonization

A martyr is someone who willingly gave his or her life for Christ.

Because martyrdom is considered the ultimate witness of faith, the Church may waive the miracle normally required before beatification.

Canonization itself still follows a careful process of investigation and approval.

Examples of Canonized Saints

• Saint Peter the Apostle
• Saint Paul the Apostle
• Saint Augustine
• Saint Francis of Assisi
• Saint Thomas Aquinas
• Saint Catherine of Siena
• Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
• Saint Teresa of Calcutta
• Saint John Paul II

These saints lived in different times and circumstances but shared a common love for Christ.

What Canonization Does Not Mean

The Church Does Not Create Saints

God alone makes saints.

Canonization recognizes what God has already accomplished.

Saints Were Not Perfect People

Many saints struggled, sinned, and experienced weaknesses.

Their greatness came from responding to God’s grace.

Only Famous People Become Saints

Holiness is not measured by popularity.

Many canonized saints lived humble and hidden lives.

Why Canonization Matters

Canonization gives the faithful confidence that a saint is with God in Heaven.

It provides trustworthy examples of Christian discipleship and encourages devotion, prayer, and imitation of holy lives.

Key Truths About Canonization

• Canonization recognizes that a person is in Heaven.
• The Church does not create saints.
• Saints are examples of Christian holiness.
• The process includes careful investigation.
• Miracles help confirm a candidate’s intercession.
• The Pope formally declares canonization.
• Saints come from every age and vocation.
• Every Christian is called to become a saint.

What Does This Mean For Me?

Canonization reminds us that holiness is possible.

The saints were real people who trusted God, persevered through struggles, and followed Christ faithfully.

Their lives encourage us to pursue the same goal: union with God and eternal life in Heaven.

Explore the Saints

Continue Learning

Now that you understand canonization, the next topic is: Patron Saints

Learn why certain saints are associated with particular countries, occupations, causes, and needs.