The Process of Canonization: A Comprehensive Guide for President Biden’s Sainthood

Introduction

The recent discussion about President Joe Biden's potential sainthood has sparked interest in the process of canonization within the Catholic Church. While President Biden himself might not be hopeful for this, it’s an interesting exploration of the steps involved in elevating a person to the status of saint.

Understanding Sainthood and the Catholic Church’s Perspective

In the Catholic Church, individuals are recognized as saints through a thorough process referred to as canonization. This process is grounded in the belief that canonized individuals have lived a life of heroic virtue and have also performed miracles.

For Joe Biden, a pro-choice stance on abortion, a key issue for the Catholic Church, makes his path to sainthood highly unlikely. The Catholic Church is unlikely to consider him for sainthood, unless it undergoes significant doctrinal changes. This article delves into the steps that would need to be followed if, hypothetically, President Biden were to be considered for sainthood.

The Steps to Canonization

Step 1: Posthumous Status

To begin the process, Biden would need to die. The Catholic Church only recognizes saints who have passed away. Once this happens, a five-year waiting period is required before the cause for canonization can be officially opened. This waiting period is set to ensure that the deceased has indeed passed from this life into the next, which is a necessary component of the process.

Step 2: Opening the Cause

Once the waiting period is over, the next step is to petition the local diocese, where the deceased is buried or had their last residence. In Biden's case, this would be his home diocese. However, given that the Pope has ultimate authority, one could petition directly to the Vatican.

The diocese would need to gather evidence of the individual's virtuous life and other relevant biographical information. Additionally, if any miracles are claimed, it is crucial to have these documented and verified. It is essential to note that the Church has strict guidelines for verifying miracles, often requiring multiple eyewitness accounts and scientific validation.

Step 3: The Investigation

Following the opening of the cause, a special committee within the diocese investigates the candidate's life and the claims of miracles. Should the committee find sufficient evidence, the case is forwarded to the Vatican, where it is reviewed by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in the Roman Curia. If the Vatican agrees, the candidate will then be declared "venerable."

Step 4: Canonization

Canonization requires the recognition of at least two miracles after the declaration of "venerable." These miracles must be verifiable through proper documentation and should be deemed beneficial to at least one individual. Once these requirements are met, the Pope officially canonizes the individual. Unfortunately, for President Biden, this step would be extremely challenging, given his political positions and the high standards set by the Church.

Conclusion

While it’s an entertaining and thought-provoking idea to consider President Biden’s potential for sainthood, the process is more complex and rigorous than one might imagine. Given the current stance of the Catholic Church, particularly on issues like abortion, the likelihood of Biden being canonized is virtually non-existent. The steps outlined above, while somewhat hypothetical, outline the meticulous process required for any individual seeking sainthood within the Catholic Church.

If the Pope were to decide to open the cause for Biden, it would be a groundbreaking event for the Church, given Biden's political and personal beliefs. But until then, it remains a fascinating topic of discussion and speculation.