What are the steps in canonization?

There are four major steps:

1.) A study of the person is made to see if they showed some form of heroic virtue. If the answer is yes they are given the title Servant of God.

2.) Additional investigations are continued. If they "pass" they receive the title of Venerable.

3.) At this stage, a miracle must be attributed to the intercession of the candidate. Once proven the person may receive the title of Blessed.

4.) More studies and another miracle must be verified. Once all information has been thoroughly studied, the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints will submit the case to the Holy Father who will, after review, declare the person a Saint.

Each step requires considerable evidence and documentation and the entire process can take years, even centuries, in some cases.