Canonization (Venerable, Blessed, Saint)

Canonization does not make a saint; it recognises one. After a person's death a diocese may open a cause, and the candidate is called a Servant of God. When Rome judges that they practised the virtues to a heroic degree they are declared Venerable. Beatification, which normally requires a miracle attributed to their intercession, makes them Blessed and permits local public veneration. A second miracle normally leads to canonization, by which the pope declares them a Saint and extends their veneration to the whole Church. The Catechism says that in canonizing, the Church recognises the power of the Spirit of holiness within her and sustains the hope of believers.