Canonization
CANONIZATION
BASIC R.C. BELIEF A statement by the Pope, generally, but not positively, thought to be infallible, that a martyr or one who has died as an exemplary Christian is now in Heaven and is worthy of honor and imitation by the faithful. Public prayers may be made to any canonized saint.
POST VATICAN II Modern Roman Catholic scholars admit that in earlier centuries saints often became such through popular acclamation or continued veneration. During these more credulous centuries some were venerated as saints about whom little or nothing was known, and others have been shown by modern research to have little claim to veneration.