Could the Catholic Church canonize a non-Catholic?
The short answer
In theory, yes, since canonization is simply an official acknowledgment that someone is in heaven. But so far the Church has canonized only her own members, because one purpose of canonization is to hold up a model of Catholic holiness.
Theoretically possible
Canonization is an official acknowledgment that a person is in heaven, so the Church could in principle canonize a non-Catholic.
Why she hasn't
To date the Church has canonized only Catholics, because one aim of canonization is to set before Catholics a model of Catholic Christian holiness.
Continue exploring
- How can Eastern Orthodoxy have saints if it has no pope?Q&A
- How does someone become a saint?Q&A
- Should Catholics venerate saints canonized by Eastern Orthodox churches?Q&A
- What is the difference between saints and blesseds?Q&A
- Are there any rules governing relics?Q&A
- How do we know St. Anne was Mary's mother, since the Bible doesn't mention her?Q&A