In brief
In recent discussions following Pope Francis's passing, the prospect of his canonization has sparked interest and debate, particularly given that only two of the previous five popes have been made saints. Historically, popes enjoyed a relatively straightforward pathway to sainthood, with 48 out of the first 50 being honored posthumously as saints. However, the criteria for canonization have become considerably more rigorous and lengthy.
To date, among the 266 popes throughout nearly two millennia, only 80 have received canonization. Currently, 11 popes are in various stages of the beatification process, which requires thorough examinations by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, focusing on the candidates’ spiritual merits and miracles attributed to them.Pope Francis presided over the canonization of John XXIII and John Paul II in a ceremonial event in 2014, making significant strides toward modernizing the mouthful of processes linked to sainthood. Historically, the average wait for canonization spanned over two centuries until the last few papacies. For example, under John Paul II's leadership, the waiting period was dramatically shortened to five years—a trend that allowed his own rapid canonization only nine years after his 2005 death, bypassing the norm.However, the quickened pace raises concerns among critics, particularly considering allegations that John Paul II may have overlooked serious misconduct within the Church, which has prompted renewed scrutiny into hastily granted sainthood.As the world mourns the loss of a contemporary pope, discussions about Pope Francis’s legacy will likely garner attention in the Vatican regarding what his eventual remembrance could entail in terms of holiness and canonization.Elisabetta Povoledo is a seasoned journalist reporting on Italy and the Vatican, providing insight into key cultural and religious narratives.
