Path to Sainthood: Pope Francis Announces New Rules

Pope Francis has adopted new rules for the beautification process for sainthood — adding to centuries-old guidelines.

On Tuesday, July 11, the Vatican announced a possible new route for individuals to be canonized.

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“Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Letter motu proprio on Tuesday, by which he created a new category, distinct from martyrdom, under which a servant of God may be declared blessed,” Vatican Radio reported.

Individuals who lived a good, Catholic lifestyle and who accepted a premature death for the good of others may now meet requirements for sainthood.

“Until now, gaining consideration for sainthood in the Catholic Church required martyrdom, living a life of heroic values, or — less frequently invoked — having a clear saintly reputation,” the Associated Press noted.

Unlike those who die in martyrdom as a result of hatred of the faith, the new category to sainthood requires a miracle attributed to the individual before the intercession.

The new category centers around “the free and voluntary offering of one’s life, and heroic acceptance proper caritatem of a certain and soon-to-come death,” according to the Vatican Radio.

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To meet the criteria for sainthood under this route, the individual also must have essentially sacrificed his or her life, have exercised and preserved Christian virtues, and conveyed a reputation for holiness.

In 2016, the Vatican announced new rules regarding miracles and sainthood. Healing miracles must pass scrutinization by medical experts. “Pope Francis has expressed determination to ensure the sainthood process, which attracts donations by faithful for canonization candidates, is rigorous, and avoids scandals,” the AP reported in September 2016.