With, at 88, this Monday (21), a common question arose between faithful and curious: Can the Argentine pontiff be canonized? The answer, however, depends on a strict process that may take years – or even decades.
Although Francis had a trajectory marked by gestures of compassion and inclusion, especially with the poor, migrants and excluded, this in itself does not automatically make it eligible to holiness. Canonization in the Catholic Church requires objective criteria and proof of two miracles attributed to the candidate’s intercession.
Long and thorough process
The current regulation for canonization was established in 1983 by Pope John Paul 2nd. The first step can only be taken after the candidate’s death. Religious, dioceses or faithful communities may request the opening of the process as long as they present a postulator – responsible for gathering evidence that the deceased lived with heroic Christian virtues.
In the early stages, the candidate receives the title of “Servant of God.” Then, if there is no impediments and the fame of holiness is confirmed, it can be recognized as “venerable.” At this stage, there is no public worship yet.
Miracles are requirement for beatification and holiness
To be beatified, it is necessary to recognize a miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession – usually inexplicable medical cures. The case is evaluated by a scientific board and then a theological committee. With beatification, the cult is now allowed local or regional.
Canonization requires proof of a second miracle, with the same analytical rigor. Only after this process does the Pope solemnly declare holiness – usually during a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
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Francisco: Fame of holiness, but without recognized miracles
Francis accumulated during the pontificate attitudes that indicate what the Church calls “heroic virtues”: fighting inequality, defense of the marginalized, allegations of abuse and concern for the environment. He was also the first Pope to bring tightly the climate debate into the Vatican and to criticize the current global economic model for generating injustices.
However, so far, there are no miracles recognized in life or attributed to him after his death – a fundamental step for the advancement of a canonization process.
Experts say that although there is popular commotion, the Vatican often expects to “cool emotions” before starting any formal process.
