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'''Canonization''' is the process by which the Catholic Church declares a deceased person to be a [[saint]], meaning they are recognized as having lived an exceptionally holy life, are now in Heaven, and can be venerated by the faithful. The Church canonizes individuals to present them as models of Christian living, to acknowledge their intercessory power (meaning they can pray for those on Earth), and to allow public veneration or worship of them. | '''Canonization''' is the process by which the Catholic Church declares a deceased person to be a [[saint]], meaning they are recognized as having lived an exceptionally holy life, are now in Heaven, and can be venerated by the faithful. The Church canonizes individuals to present them as models of Christian living, to acknowledge their intercessory power (meaning they can pray for those on Earth), and to allow public veneration or worship of them. | ||
Canonization doesn't "make" someone a saint; it's more of an official recognition by the Church that this person is already a saint in Heaven. | |||
== Levels == | |||
=== Servant of God === | |||
The process begins locally, often at the behest of the community where the person lived or was known. If there's enough interest and evidence of a holy life, the person is called a "Servant of God." | |||
=== Venerable === | |||
The bishop of the diocese where the person died can initiate an investigation into their life, virtues, writings, or martyrdom. If the findings are positive, the Pope declares them "Venerable," meaning they've lived a life of heroic virtue. | |||
=== Beatification === | |||
To be beatified and given the title "Blessed," a miracle attributed to the intercession of the candidate needs to be confirmed (unless they are a martyr, for whom this step can sometimes be waived). This miracle is usually a healing that doctors cannot explain scientifically. | |||
=== Canonization === | |||
For the final step to sainthood, another miracle after beatification must occur and be verified. Once this happens, the Pope can proceed with canonization. | |||
== Process == | == Process == | ||