Daniel del Castillo González
Behind every canonization lies a lengthy process: the Church must determine who that person was, how they lived, and what legacy they left behind. A reputation for holiness can pave the way, but for the pope, that alone is not enough.
POPE LEO XIV
The causes for sainthood make us of the tools proper to the study of history, even though their aim is not to produce historiography, but rather to bring to light the exemplary character, spirituality and reputation for holiness of the candidates for sainthood.
The history of the world without the saints would be immensely poorer; in other words, less human. That process can take years of research. The diocese gathers documents, writings, and testimonies from people who knew the candidate. The file is then sent to Rome, where the candidate’s life story is reconstructed. Theology experts are also involved, and when a possible miraculous healing is reported, medical specialists are consulted.
