What the Sainthood Process Requires
In the Catholic Church, becoming a saint follows a formal canonization process. It usually begins at least five years after death, though a pope can waive this waiting period. The process involves investigation of the person's life, writings, and reputation for holiness.
Current Status of Pope Francis
Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025. As of now, no formal canonization cause has been opened by the Vatican. The process would normally start with a diocesan inquiry, followed by review at the Vatican's Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
What Happens Next
For beatification, the Vatican usually requires one verified miracle attributed to the person's intercession. For canonization, a second miracle is typically needed after beatification. The timeline can take years or decades, depending on evidence and Vatican procedures.
More details about the canonization process are available on the Vatican's official website Vatican.
