The Functions of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints

What is the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, and what does it do? This is the department of the Roman Curia responsible for overseeing the processes of beatification and canonisation.

The world is changing at an increasingly rapid pace, and the Church, too, adapts in response, reshaping its internal structures to meet the ever-evolving and urgent demands of modernity. The pontificate of Pope Francis has, for instance, led to the creation of 16 Dicasteries that manage various bureaucratic as well as religious aspects of the Roman Curia. Until recently, the term Dicastery referred generally to all bodies within the Curia. However, with the apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium, issued on 19 March 2022, the various Dicasteries became clearly defined institutions which, although part of the Curia, now follow different regulations. One such institution is the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints (Latin: Dicasterium de Causis Sanctorum).

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Pope Francis

This department is entirely dedicated to Pope Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints

In fact, a congregation for the causes of saints has existed for centuries, albeit under different names. Its evolution runs parallel to the promulgation of apostolic constitutions – the formal decrees issued by the Popes throughout history.

Pope Sixtus V, in 1588, with the constitution Immensa Aeterni Dei, established the Congregation of Rites (Congregatio pro Sacri Ritibus et Caeremoniis), which was responsible within the Curia for overseeing all aspects of liturgical worship, as well as the causes of canonisation in the Catholic Church and the organisation of solemn ceremonies.

In 1969, Pope Paul VI restructured the longstanding institution with the constitution Sacra Rituum Congregatio, dividing the old Congregation of Rites into two distinct bodies: the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

The 1988 constitution Pastor Bonus, under Pope John Paul II, gave the Congregation for the Causes of Saints its modern form, while the 2022 apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium, promulgated by Pope Francis, retained the same structure but changed its name to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

What Does the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints Do?

In simple terms, it handles all matters related to the process of beatification and canonisation for individuals who are recognised for their holiness of life. These persons may be given the title Servant of God after their death, and later possibly Venerable, Blessed, and Saint.

The Dicastery is also responsible for awarding the title Doctor of the Church to those saints whose lives and works have been particularly distinguished by theological insight, the dissemination of Christian teachings, and spiritual enlightenment. The Dicastery evaluates whether a saint should receive this title, after consulting the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, which must confirm the eminence of the saint’s doctrine (Art. 102).

In addition, the Dicastery must verify the authenticity of relics, bodily remains, and personal effects believed to belong to a saint. It establishes the canonical procedure to verify and declare the authenticity of sacred relics, and ensures their preservation (Art. 101).

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Monstrances, Chapel monstrances, Reliquaries in metal

Monstrances, chapel monstrances and reliquaries in metal of various sizes and shapes for the exhibition of the Eucharist and relics.

The Difference Between Venerable, Blessed, and Saint

As mentioned, the title Servant of God is the first step in the canonisation process. A person may later be declared Venerable if the Dicastery determines they demonstrated exceptional heroism in the practice of Christian virtues or suffered martyrdom for their faith.

What is the difference between Venerable, Blessed, and Saint?

Once declared Venerable, the investigation continues, involving careful examination of documents and, where possible, testimonies from those who knew the person. If a miracle is attributed to the Venerable’s intercession – an event considered to be of divine origin – they may then be beatified and given the title Blessed.

The title Saint is reserved for those Blessed individuals to whom a second miracle is attributed.

The Process of Beatification and Canonisation

Through Beatification, the Church formally acknowledges that a deceased person has entered Heaven. This recognition, based on their earthly virtues, confers upon them the ability to intercede with God on behalf of the faithful. The beatification process may take varying lengths of time: for example, Pope John Paul II (Wojtyła) was beatified in just six years, while Pope John XXIII’s cause took thirty-seven years. A Blessed person may be venerated only in specific regions or by certain groups of devoted followers.

However, not all the Blessed are canonised Saints. Canonisation is the more rigorous process by which the Church not only confirms that the individual is in Heaven, but also allows for universal veneration as a Saint. This process can take many years and, as mentioned, requires the recognition of two miracles.

Over the centuries, the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints – in all its various forms – has always had to evaluate alleged miracles not only from a spiritual but also from a medical-scientific perspective. Even in the Middle Ages, specially appointed Medical Experts were tasked with this responsibility. In the 18th century, a formal register was created for them.

In 1948, Pope Pius XII established a Commission of Doctors and a Medical Council. In 1959, Pope John XXIII merged these into the Medical Board, which remains active to this day.

The official proclamation of a new Saint is ultimately the responsibility of the Pope, who issues it with a formal papal decree.