Beatification

Pope_Pius_IX

Ioannes_Paulus_II_in_Germany_(1980)

Beatification is a recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a deceased person's entrance into heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in their name. Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process.

Process

The process of beatification begins at the diocesan level. A bishop initiates an investigation into the life and virtues of the candidate, who is then referred to as a Servant of God. This investigation includes the collection of documents and testimonies about the candidate's life, virtues, and reputation for holiness. The findings are then sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome.

If the Congregation for the Causes of Saints approves the findings, the candidate is declared Venerable. To proceed to beatification, a miracle attributed to the intercession of the candidate must be verified. This miracle is usually a medically inexplicable healing. Once the miracle is confirmed, the Pope can declare the candidate Blessed.

Requirements

The primary requirements for beatification include:

• A life of heroic virtue or martyrdom.
• Verification of a miracle attributed to the candidate's intercession, except in the case of martyrs.

Significance

Beatification allows for public veneration of the candidate within a specific region or community. It is a step towards canonization, which permits veneration of the candidate by the universal Church.

Notable Beatifications

Some notable beatifications include:

• Mother Teresa was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003.
• Pope John Paul II was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011.

Related Pages

• Canonization
• Congregation for the Causes of Saints
• Servant of God
• Venerable
• Blessed
• Saint

See Also

• Catholic Church
• Heaven
• Miracle
• Pope