beatificazione

Beatificazione, from the Latin beatificatio ("blessing"), is the initial stage of the Roman Catholic process of sainthood, where a deceased person is recognized as having lived with heroic virtue and worth of veneration. The process typically begins with a request from the deceased’s diocese, followed by a thorough investigation by the Holy See into their life, religious practice, and moral character. If their virtues are confirmed, the Pope declares them "Venerable." Subsequently, if at least one miracle attributed to their intercession is medically and theologically verified by the Church, they may be declared "Blessed." This procedure aims to honor their holiness, inspire devotion, and advance them toward sainthood. The process has evolved over centuries, with modern protocols emphasizing rigorous evidence and miracle validation.