kanonisoinnissa

Kanonisoinnissa refers to the formal process by which the Roman Catholic Church declares a deceased person to be a saint. The process aims to recognize exemplary holiness, verify miracles attributed to the candidate, and permit public veneration. It is conducted under the authority of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and, ultimately, the pope.

The path typically begins after the person’s death, with the opening of a cause that designates the candidate as a Servant of God. A diocesan inquiry collects evidence of the person’s life, virtues, and reputation. The collected material is sent to the Vatican as a Positio, a detailed biographical and theological assessment. The Positio is examined by theologians and by the Congregation, who decide whether the candidate lived a life of heroic virtue or died as a martyr.

Miracle verification plays a central role. For beatification and canonization, a verified miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession is usually required, though martyrs may face different requirements. Beatification grants public veneration and the title Blessed, usually within a limited region. Canonization, the final step, proclaims the person a saint and allows universal veneration. In most cases, canonization requires a second miracle after beatification, subject to papal approval, except in cases of martyrdom.

The process emphasizes historical and theological scrutiny, ecclesial discernment, and pastoral considerations. It has evolved over centuries, with reforms to increase transparency and accountability. Canonization remains a central mechanism in the Catholic Church for recognizing holiness and guiding veneration and devotion.