During the canonization Mass, the Pope officially inserts the saint's name into the Roman Martyrology, authorizing universal veneration. This act affirms that the saint is in heaven and can be invoked as an advocate, providing a celestial intercessor for the entire Church rather than just a local community.
Papal Decree and the Final Step in Canonization
The Final Act: Canonization and Universal Veneration The final stage of the process of canonization is reserved for those saints whose influence and spiritual significance extend beyond national or regional boundaries. Far from a simple declaration, it is a multi-stage investigation that balances historical research with spiritual discernment, ensuring that the individual’s life serves as a credible and inspiring example of holiness.
This Vatican department acts as a global review board, ensuring that all previous investigations adhere to canonical standards and that the evidence is robust. The local bishop where the person died or lived must initiate the cause, gathering testimony and documents that outline the individual's life, writings, and reputation for holiness.
Papal Decree and the Final Act of Canonization
During this phase, known as the "Diocesan Process," officials interview historians, theologians, and contemporaries to compile a comprehensive dossier that establishes the candidate's identity, context, and initial evidence of sanctity. After the verification of a second miracle, the Pope issues a formal decree declaring the saint.
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