World Church · November 3, 2026
Also published in Português (Brasil)
Madrid Archdiocese Delegate Clarifies the Canonization Process
Alberto Fernández, the delegate for the Causes of the Saints in the Archdiocese of Madrid, stated that the Church does not manufacture saints, but rather recognizes the work of God in the lives of the faithful. He made these remarks on the Feast of All Saints, explaining the rigorous procedures involved in beatification and canonization. Fernández emphasized that the Church's role is to verify the concrete holiness of a candidate's life, not to create it.
The canonization process consists of two main phases: the diocesan phase and the Roman phase. In the diocese where the Servant of God died, authorities gather all evidence demonstrating the candidate's holiness. This includes interviewing people who lived with the candidate, collecting documents, letters, and diaries, and speaking with witnesses who experienced the candidate's faith, charity, and hope. This documentation, which typically amounts to twenty or thirty thousand folios, is sent to Rome. There, various committees of historians, theologians, bishops, and cardinals study the case. Finally, the Pope grants approval for the Servant of God to be beatified and later canonized.
Fernández noted that every cause faces specific difficulties. When a candidate died long ago, finding living witnesses is impossible, so authorities rely on contemporary documentation to verify virtues or martyrdom. He clarified that holiness does not mean moral irreproachability or the absence of errors. Candidates may have had difficult temperaments or personal flaws. The process focuses on the growth in the life of faith, such as a person becoming gentle or humble over time. Saints are viewed as a reflection of the face of Jesus in history, rather than static figures of perfection.
The delegate mentioned that some causes present procedural difficulties due to dispersed or extensive documentation. However, there is no rush in these causes, allowing difficulties to be resolved with patience and perseverance. Fernández expressed that he is impressed by the testimonies in nearly all cases, though he must maintain discretion regarding the intimacy of the individuals' lives.
Regarding the cost of the process, Fernández explained that it is expensive primarily because of the labor involved, not necessarily the money. The work includes collecting, transcribing, and systematizing documentation, as well as conducting in-depth studies of the candidate's writings. Theological reviews ensure that no writings are confusing. The process also involves many tribunal sessions to hear witness declarations. In the Roman phase, historical and theological examinations are conducted. While some institutions can afford dedicated staff, the Archdiocese of Madrid waives fees for causes from charitable institutions or those without resources, ensuring that economic reasons never prevent a cause from proceeding.
The study of supposed miracles relies mainly on medical expertise. Experts often perform these evaluations altruistically. Fernández noted that obtaining medical expertise is relatively simple compared to the requirements for causes based on martyrdom, virtues, or the gift of life.