How can Eastern Orthodoxy have saints if it has no pope?
The short answer
The pope doesn't make saints; he officially recognizes them through canonization. Everyone who dies in God's friendship becomes a saint, and Orthodox Christians can die in God's friendship. Their recognition of saints resembles the early Church's acclamation, but the Catholic Church does not currently recognize those individuals as saints, though it hopes for their salvation.
Who makes saints
Sainthood is not determined by the pope; he only officially recognizes it through canonization. All who die in God's friendship become saints, after purgatory if needed, and in some cases the Church formally recognizes this.
Canonization came later
Canonization developed later in Church history. Originally saints were recognized by the acclamation of their communities and bishops.
The Orthodox
Orthodox Christians can die in God's friendship, so Orthodoxy can have saints. Its recognition of saints may be somewhat like the early acclamation process.
The Catholic position
The sainthood of these individuals is not presently recognized by the Catholic Church, though their salvation is hoped for.
Continue exploring
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