Beatifikaatio

Beatifikaatio, in the Roman Catholic Church, is the official declaration that a deceased person has lived a holy life or died a martyr and is worthy of public veneration as Blessed in a particular church, region, or community. It is the first step in the broader process toward canonization, or sainthood, which would grant universal veneration within the Church.

The process typically begins at the local level when a bishop accepts a cause and permits an investigation. The person is titled Servant of God as the process gathers documentation about their life, virtues, and, if applicable, martyrdom. A diocesan inquiry is then sent to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which evaluates the evidence. If the Pope approves, the person is declared Venerable for heroic virtue or martyrdom. Beatification generally requires a verified miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession, except in cases of martyrdom where martyrdom itself suffices to move toward beatification. The Pope’s decree authorizes public veneration of the Blessed, usually limited to a specific region or community at this stage.

Canonization is the next step toward universal sainthood. A second miracle attributed to the Blessed’s intercession, or, in the case of martyrs, sometimes a simplified path, is typically required for formal sainthood. Once canonized, the person is regarded as a saint and may be venerated throughout the Catholic Church.

Historically, beatification emerged in the medieval church and has since been refined by papal legislation and canon law. The modern process emphasizes careful documentation, scrutiny of miracles, and orderly celebration of saints within Catholic tradition.