Fact check: What are the requirements for sainthood in the Catholic Church?

1. Summary of the results

The canonization process in the Catholic Church is a structured, multi-stage procedure that evaluates a deceased person's life, virtues, and alleged miraculous intercessions before the pope may declare them a saint. Key formal stages reported across sources are the diocesan inquiry led by a local bishop, a Vatican review by the Dicastery/Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and final papal approval; candidates may receive designations such as Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed (after beatification), and Saint (after canonization) ^{[1] [2] [3]}. Two types of grounds commonly cited are martyrdom and demonstration of heroic virtue, and the modern process typically requires one confirmed miracle for beatification (two for canonization in some accounts), with medical and theological examination central to verification ^{[1] [4]}. Sources note a customary five-year waiting period after death (though exceptions exist) and emphasize the Dicastery’s central investigative role ^{[3] [5]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important nuances and alternative descriptions are underreported in the provided analyses. First, historical evolution: early local veneration and episcopal approval preceded the centralized papal procedures established over centuries; contemporary rules codified in canon law and Vatican norms reflect that shift ^[1]. Second, procedural flexibility: the five-year waiting period is dispensed in exceptional cases (as with John Paul II), and the number of required miracles has varied historically and by circumstance, with martyrdom sometimes dispensing with miracle requirements for beatification ^{[3] [5]}. Third, methodological detail: the “miracle” standard involves skeptical medical examination and theological assessment, not uncritical acceptance; some sources emphasize intensive scrutiny and the Dicastery’s use of experts ^{[2] [1]}. Cultural and pastoral aims—such as national efforts to train promoters of causes—also shape whose causes are advanced and how quickly they proceed ^[6].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

Claims in the analyses that simplify requirements—such as stating unequivocally that two miracles “must” be performed by a candidate while living—can mislead by conflating different stages and historical practices; most modern descriptions specify miracles attributed to posthumous intercession, and martyrdom can alter requirements ^{[4] [7] [2]}. Sources focused on human-interest examples (e.g., Carlo Acutis) may create an impression that canonizations are primarily media-driven or expedited for contemporary figures, which can obscure institutional caution and long timelines ^{[3] [5]}. Actors who benefit from simplified framings include advocacy groups promoting particular causes, media outlets seeking compelling narratives, and formation centers aiming to increase national saintly representation—each may emphasize speed, miracles, or exemplary stories to mobilize support ^{[6] [5]}.