Equivalency Canonization in the Catholic Church addresses situations where a formal process for sainthood wasn't followed historically. It allows for the recognition of individuals who lived lives of extraordinary holiness, even without a complete record. A recognized stage in this process involves a thorough Church investigation into their life and writings, seeking evidence of holiness. This differs from the standard canonization process, which requires extensive documentation. If sufficient evidence of holiness is found, the process continues. This may culminate in a declaration by the Pope recognizing their sanctity and granting them the title of saint, even though the traditional steps weren’t fully observed. The focus remains on establishing undeniable evidence of a life lived in accordance with the teachings of the Church.