Canonization Process in the Catholic Church

The process typically begins at the local level.
A person's life, virtues, and reputation for holiness are investigated.
If there is a reasonable cause to proceed, the person is declared a "Servant of God."
This is the initial recognition that the individual's cause for sainthood can be considered.

Two commissions are involved: a theological commission and a historical commission.
They review the collected documents, writings, and testimonies related to the candidate's life.
The theological commission assesses the person’s life in light of Catholic doctrine and tradition, ensuring there are no theological errors.
The historical commission ensures historical accuracy and the absence of errors in the collected information.

A document called a "Positio" is compiled.
It presents a comprehensive biography of the Servant of God, including evidence of heroic virtues and reputation for sanctity.
It includes a summary of the theological and historical investigations.
If the Positio is approved by the theological commission, it is submitted to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome.

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints, a Vatican office, reviews the Positio and the entire case.
If they find it to be consistent with Catholic doctrine and devoid of errors, they may recommend the cause for further consideration by the Pope.

The Positio is then presented to a group of cardinals and bishops who are members of the Congregation.
They review the case and make recommendations to the Pope.

If the Pope is satisfied with the evidence of the Servant of God’s heroic virtues, he may issue a decree recognizing the person’s heroic virtues.
The Servant of God is then given the title "Venerable."

If a miracle is approved, the Pope may issue a decree of beatification, declaring the individual "Blessed."
This is typically accompanied by a public ceremony, and the Blessed may have a feast day established.

To proceed to canonization, a second miracle (usually occurring after beatification) attributed to the Blessed's intercession must be investigated and confirmed.
This second miracle follows the same rigorous process as the first.

If the second miracle is approved, the Pope may proceed with the canonization process, formally declaring the individual a saint.
Canonization is usually accompanied by a public ceremony, and the newly canonized saint is venerated by the Catholic Church worldwide.

The process is hierarchical and multi-step, involving local investigators and several Vatican bodies.
Each stage adds checks for doctrinal accuracy, historical reliability, and evidence of sanctity.
The progression from Servant of God to Venerable to Blessed to Saint reflects escalating recognition of holiness and intercessory capacity within Catholic teaching.
Miracles are central to moving from Beatification to Canonization, highlighting the link between divine intervention and public recognition.
The structure emphasizes both doctrinal integrity (theological accuracy) and factual integrity (historical accuracy).
Real-world relevance: The process formalizes how the Catholic Church investigates and verifies claims of sainthood, connecting local devotion with universal liturgical commemoration.