Editing Saint (section)

==== Stages of canonization ====
Formal [[canonization]] is a lengthy process, often of many years or even centuries.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/index_saints_en.html Table of the Canonizations during the Pontificate of His Holiness John Paul II] on Vatican.va</ref> There are four major steps to become a saint.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.mic.com/articles/53125/john-paul-ii-sainthood-4-steps-to-becoming-a-catholic-saint| title = John Paul II Sainthood: 4 Steps to Becoming a Catholic Saint| newspaper = Mic| date = 6 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.catholichawaii.org/media/314379/canonization_4_steps_to_becoming_a_saint.pdf| title = 4 Steps to Becoming a Saint| access-date = 27 January 2020| archive-date = 30 October 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201030024209/https://www.catholichawaii.org/media/314379/canonization_4_steps_to_becoming_a_saint.pdf| url-status = dead}}</ref> The first stage in this process is an investigation of the candidate's life by an expert. After this, the official report on the candidate is submitted to the bishop of the pertinent diocese and more study is undertaken. The information is then sent to the [[Dicastery for the Causes of Saints]] of the [[Holy See]] for evaluation at the universal level of the church.<ref name=how6191 /> If the application is approved the candidate may be granted the title ''[[The Venerable|Venerable]]'' (stage 2).<ref name=how6191>{{cite web|url=http://people.howstuffworks.com/question6191.htm|title=The Steps of Canonization|work=HowStuffWorks|date=20 April 2001}}</ref> Further investigation, step 3, may lead to the candidate's [[beatification]] with the title ''Blessed'',<ref name=how6191 /> which is elevation to the class of the ''[[beatification|Beati]]''. Next, and at a minimum, proof of two important miracles obtained from God through the intercession of the candidate are required for formal canonization as a saint. Finally, in the last stage, after all of these procedures are complete, the [[pope]] may canonize the candidate as a saint<ref name=how6191 /> for veneration by the universal church.