New saints to cost less?

Pope Francis approves revised regulation for administration of beatification and canonization process

Not everyone will approve of the process in the Roman Catholic Church whereby individuals progress towards their designation as Saints[1], yet most would agree that the alleged costs associated with the process are excessive. At the 4th March Audience granted to Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State[2], Pope Francis approved the new “Regulations on the administration of the assets of the Cause of beatification and canonization”[3]. The Guardian reported this as: “Pope Francis has overhauled the Vatican’s multimillion-euro saint-making business, months after two exposés[4] revealed that the cost of beatification – a major step towards becoming a saint – has reached about €500,000 (£400,000)”.  Other estimates of the cost, though lower, are nevertheless significant as the process includes: witnesses’ travel expenses, the disinterment of the candidate, the publication of the “Positio[5], costs linked to theological, historical and medical consultations and ceremonies. Continue reading