Beatification

Beatification, since the 12th century, an official papal declaration that a deceased Christian lived a holy life and is worthy of veneration. The beatified person receives the title “blessed”. The process leading to beatification involves an intensive examination of the life, writings, and reputation of the person under consideration. It is generally a step towards canonization. Before the 12th century, local bishops instituted the process and issued the declaration of beatification for their own dioceses.