When discussing the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI, the question of his sainthood naturally arises among the faithful and observers of the Catholic Church. As of today, he remains the only living pope to have resigned in nearly 600 years, a decision that has shaped the conversation around his holiness. While he is widely respected for his intellectual contributions and his steadfast defense of Catholic doctrine, the process to declare him a saint is still in its preliminary stages. Understanding his current status requires looking at the official steps the Church takes to recognize a servant of God.
The Current Status of His Cause
The formal journey toward sainthood for Pope Benedict XVI is active, yet distinct from the typical path of a newly deceased candidate. Because he resigned the papacy, rather than dying in office, the Vatican had to adapt its procedures to investigate his life and virtues. The diocesan phase of the investigation was opened in Rome in March 2020, marking the crucial first step where his personal virtues and daily conduct are meticulously examined. This phase focuses on gathering testimonies and documentation that illustrate his heroic practice of the theological and cardinal virtues during his time as a priest, professor, and pope.
From Pope to Servant of God
In order for the cause to advance, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints must officially declare Pope Benedict XVI a "Servant of God," which is the title given to a deceased person whose life and virtues are being investigated. While the diocesan investigation in Rome reviews the evidence of his earthly life, the Vatican is simultaneously evaluating the miracles attributed to his intercession. These miracles are a necessary component for his eventual canonization, as the Church requires at least one verified miracle for beatification—the step that grants the title "Blessed"—and a second miracle for sainthood.
The Distinction of a Living Pope
One of the most unique aspects of Benedict XVI's potential sainthood is that he is the first pope to be admitted to the ranks of the blessed or saintly while still alive in over a century. Normally, the cause for sainthood does not begin until five years after a pope's death, allowing time for perspective and historical analysis. However, the unprecedented nature of his resignation prompted the Church to open the investigation while he was still residing in the Vatican, allowing him to witness the progress of his own cause and actively offer his prayers for the Church he once led.
Holiness in Retirement
Observers of Benedict XVI's life since his retirement in 2013 reveal a man devoted to a "hidden life" of prayer, much like a monk in a monastery. He has largely remained out of the public eye, focusing on liturgical worship and deep theological study rather than engaging in the global media circuit that followed his papacy. This deliberate withdrawal is seen by many theologians and supporters as a powerful testament to his humility and detachment from worldly power—qualities that are often highlighted when arguing for his sanctity and suitability for canonization.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the widespread admiration for his piety and intellect, the cause for his sainthood is not without its complexities and critics. Some within the Church and the broader public associate him with the difficult period of the sexual abuse crisis, believing that his actions during his tenure as Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith hindered reform. The Church must navigate these historical burdens while simultaneously presenting evidence of his personal holiness, creating a nuanced narrative that acknowledges both his struggles and his steadfast faith.
Looking ahead, the world watches to see if the miracles attributed to his intercession are verified and if the Vatican will ultimately declare him Blessed and later Saint. For the millions who view him as a gentle scholar and a wounded shepherd, his potential sainthood would represent a profound moment of healing and recognition. Whether he is eventually canonized or remembered simply as a revered pope, Benedict XVI's legacy continues to challenge the Church to reflect on the true nature of leadership, holiness, and surrender to God's will.
