Pope Francis on Sunday declared five people saints, including Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyn (1876-1926), who is known for helping the poor.
The sainthood process cannot start until at least five years after the death of the relevant person. After the grant of a waiver, the bishop of the diocese where the person died can open an investigation into the life of the individual. This is to see whether the person lived a life of holiness and virtue.
(Photograph:Reuters)
The Congregation for the Causes of Saints scrutinises the evidence of the candidate's holiness and their work. After their approval, the candidature is passed on for consideration to the Pope. Before canonisation, 'beatification' or the attribution of a miracle to the prayers made to the individual after their death is undertaken.
(Photograph:Reuters)