Final answer:
Catholic candidates for sainthood are judged by their exemplary lives of virtue, faith, and willingness to suffer for their beliefs. Medieval Christians sought the advocacy of saints as accessible intercessors with God, a tradition that influences the sainthood process today, which involves verifying miracles and alignment with Catholic doctrines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Catholic Candidates for Sainthood and Their Judgment Criteria
What are Catholic candidates for sainthood judged by to this day? To understand the judgment of sainthood in the Catholic Church, one must consider the qualities and deeds that embody a saint's life. Saints are viewed as the exemplars of faith, living a life of virtue and often undergoing extreme hardship for their beliefs. Michelangelo remarked that saints "sew the seeds of faith" through their firm faith and willingness to endure suffering and martyrdom.
The role of saints was particularly pivotal in medieval Christianity, where the saints were thought to be more accessible than God, providing intercession for the faithful. Medieval Christians looked to saints to care for both individuals and communities, with each having a patron saint believed to advocate on their behalf. This demonstrated their importance in daily religious practice and societal structure, which is still a factor considered for sainthood.
In present times, the Catholic Church continues to view saints as individuals who have led lives of heroic virtue and are able to intercede on behalf of those on Earth. The candidate's life is thoroughly examined, and miracles attributed to their intercession posthumously are often a requirement. The alignment of a candidate's life with Catholic doctrines and their contribution to inspiring virtuous behavior are essential judging criteria for sainthood.