Beatification and canonization are solemn and deeply significant processes within the Catholic Church, through which the sanctity of certain faithful is officially recognized. These processes have as their main purpose to propose these people as exemplary models of Christian life and intercessors before God for the entire believing community.
What is beatification?
Beatification is the first step towards canonization and allows a person to be recognized as “blessed.” This title means that the Church has confirmed, after a rigorous analysis, that this person lived a life of heroic virtue, remained faithful to God even in the most difficult trials, and can be publicly venerated in certain specific areas, such as their diocese of origin or the religious congregation to which they belonged.
A key element in the beatification process is the verification of a miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession, unless the candidate is a martyr, in which case a miracle is not required. The miracle must be examined and approved by experts, doctors, theologians and other specialists who confirm that it has no scientific explanation and occurred thanks to divine intervention.
What is canonization?
Canonization is the definitive recognition by the Church that a faithful person is a saint and has attained heavenly glory. This process elevates the blessed to the rank of saint, allowing him or her to be venerated throughout the universal Church and not just in a limited sphere. Canonization is an infallible act of the Pope, who solemnly proclaims that the person lived in an exemplary manner and is in heaven, interceding for the faithful.
To reach this point, a second miracle attributed to the intercession of the blessed is generally required, occurring after his or her beatification. This miracle is considered a divine confirmation of the person’s state of sanctity.
Importance of these processes in the life of the Church
Throughout the last seven pontificates, beatification and canonization have been an essential part of papal ministry. These acts reflect the richness and diversity of the testimonies of faith that have emerged in different times and contexts. Each new blessed or saint is a living example of how the Gospel can be lived in the most varied circumstances of life: from the mission in distant lands, to martyrdom, religious life, or the daily dedication of a lay person to his family and work.
By elevating to the altars people of different cultures, times and states of life, the Church reminds us that holiness is not a privilege reserved for a few, but a vocation to which we are all called.
In this way, the processes of beatification and canonization not only honor the lives of those who have been faithful to Christ, but also inspire the faithful of today to follow their example, living in coherence with Christian values and trusting in God’s mercy.
Pope Francis (2013 – present):
As of December 2018, Pope Francis had canonized 892 saints, most notably the canonization of the 813 martyrs of Otranto. In addition, he had beatified 1,174 people, underscoring his commitment to recognizing holiness in everyday life and in diverse cultural contexts.
- Canonizations: As of December 18, 2024, Pope Francis has canonized 942 people, setting a record in the history of the Church.
- Beatifications: During his pontificate, he has beatified 1,174 people.
Pope Benedict XVI (2005–2013):
During his pontificate, Benedict XVI presided over numerous beatifications and canonizations, continuing the work of his predecessors in promoting contemporary models of holiness. Among the canonized figures are St. Anthony of Santa Ana Galvão, the first saint born in Brazil, and St. Hildegard of Bingen, a mystic and doctor of the Church.
- Canonizations: He canonized 45 people during his pontificate.
- Beatifications: He beatified 842 people.
Pope St. John Paul II (1978–2005):
Known as the “Pope of saints,” St. John Paul II carried out 482 canonizations and 1,338 beatifications, more than all his predecessors combined. This drive sought to offer the contemporary world close examples of Christian life. Among those canonized are St. Faustina Kowalska, promoter of Divine Mercy, and St. Pius of Pietrelcina, known for his stigmata and mystical gifts.
- Canonizations: He canonized 482 saints throughout his pontificate.
- Beatifications: He beatified more than 1,300 people.
Pope John Paul I (1978):
Although his pontificate lasted only 33 days, John Paul I initiated beatification processes that would be continued by his successors. His own beatification cause was opened years later, and in 2021 he was declared blessed by Pope Francis.
Canonizations and Beatifications: Due to his brief 33-day pontificate, he did not perform any canonizations or beatifications.
Pope Paul VI (1963–1978):
Paul VI beatified and canonized several notable figures, including the Ugandan martyrs and St. Nicholas of Flüe, a Swiss mystic. His emphasis was on recognizing holiness in contexts of mission and interreligious dialogue.
- Canonizations: He canonized 84 saints.
- Beatifications: He beatified 61 people.
Pope St. John XXIII (1958–1963):
Known for calling the Second Vatican Council, St. John XXIII canonized saints such as St. Martín de Porres and St. John of Avila. His pastoral and ecumenical approach was reflected in the diversity of the causes he promoted.
- Canonizations: He canonized 10 saints.
- Beatifications: He beatified 5 people.
Pope Pius XII (1939–1958):
During his pontificate, Pius XII canonized emblematic figures such as St. Maria Goretti and St. Pius X. His emphasis was on highlighting models of purity, charity, and reform within the Church.
- Canonizations: He canonized 33 saints.
- Beatifications: He beatified 54 people.
Through these pontificates, the Church has recognized holiness in a wide range of contexts and vocations, offering the faithful examples of Christian life that inspire and guide them in their pursuit of holiness.
