What is beatify?

Beatification is the official recognition of a deceased person's entry into heaven and their capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in their name. It is a step in the process of canonization, which ultimately leads to sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church. The process includes an investigation into the life and virtues of the candidate, as well as the verification of miracles attributed to their intercession. Beatification involves a formal ceremony in which the Pope declares the individual "Blessed" and allows them to be venerated in a limited way by the faithful. The title "Blessed" is added to the person's name and they are assigned a feast day for veneration.