Servant of God - Roman Catholic Church

Roman Catholic Church

"Servant of God" is the title given to a deceased person of the Catholic Church whose life and works are being investigated in consideration for official recognition by the Pope and the Catholic Church as a saint in Heaven. The title "Servant of God" (Latin: Servus Dei) should not be confused with Servus Servorum Dei (Servant of the Servants of God), one of the titles of the Pope.

Receiving the title Servant of God is the first of the four steps in the canonization process. The next step is being declared Venerable, upon a decree of heroism or martyrdom by the honored. This is followed by beatification, with the title of Blessed, after the confirmation of miracles resulting from the intercession of the honored. The final step is canonization, where the honored would receive the title of Saint. The process for canonization is under the jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.