The Congregation for the Causes of Saints is a Vatican dicastery responsible for the process of canonization in the Catholic Church. It oversees the rigorous investigation into the life, virtues, and reputation of a deceased person proposed for sainthood. This involves a lengthy Church investigation, gathering evidence of holiness and miracles attributed to the candidate. The process moves through several recognized stages, including diocesan inquiries and expert evaluations, examining testimony and scrutinizing documentation. If sufficient evidence of holiness and a miracle is found, the Congregation submits its findings to the Pope. A final declaration by the Pope, after a further review, officially recognizes the individual as a saint.