I know, you don't care.

[jackofallgeeks]

Speaking of pedantry, I learned today what the difference is between beatification and canonization in the Catholic Church. Both are claims that the person in question is in fact in Heaven (whereas veneration just says they were a good person, I guess), apparently beatification isn't considered (by theologians who concern themselves with such things) to be infallible, but canonization is considered so.

Comments

canonization/beatification

[xenu.livejournal.com]

So, who is it that would dispute someone's beatification? Is there a process? Is there anyone who can canonize someone besides the pope? Are either of these things a first step toward sainthood?