Process of Sainthood in the Catholic Church

Front

What is the waiting period before a cause for sainthood can begin?

Back

Five years must pass from the time of a candidate's death before a cause may begin, although the pope can dispense from this waiting period.

Front

Who is responsible for beginning the investigation for sainthood?

Back

The bishop of the diocese or eparchy in which the person died is responsible for beginning the investigation.

Front

What is the role of the postulator in the sainthood process?

Back

The postulator asks the bishop to open the investigation and prepares the 'Positio' during the Congregation phase.

Front

What is the 'nihil obstat' in the sainthood process?

Back

It is the approval from the Holy See that allows the bishop to form a diocesan or eparchial tribunal to investigate the candidate's virtues or martyrdom.

Front

What does the diocesan or eparchial tribunal investigate?

Back

The tribunal investigates the martyrdom or how the candidate lived a life of heroic virtues, including theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, and cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude.

Front

What happens after the diocesan or eparchial investigation is finished?

Back

The documentation is sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, where the 'Positio' is prepared and examined by theologians.

Front

What is the 'Positio'?

Back

The 'Positio' is a summary of the documentary evidence from the diocesan or eparchial phase, prepared to prove the heroic exercise of virtue or martyrdom.

Front

What is required for beatification of a Venerable?

Back

A miracle attributed to the Venerable's intercession, verified after their death, is necessary for beatification.

Front

Is a miracle required for the beatification of a martyr?

Back

No, a miracle is not required for the beatification of a martyr.

Front

What is required for canonization after beatification?

Back

Another miracle attributed to the intercession of the Blessed, occurring after beatification, is needed for canonization.