Question from Francis Pagnanelli on 4/23/2007:

I have two questions:

(1) When a saint is canonized by the Pope, is that an act of ex cathedra, extra-ordinary infallibility? It certainly could not be an act of ordinary infallibility because there is no defined Tradition of the Church addressing the individual's sanctity prior to the act of canonization. Your thoughts please.

(2) I understand that the "devil's advocate" has been removed from the canonization process. Does this cast any doubt on the infallibility of the Pope's canonizations? Could it be while many theologians once considered canonizations to be infallible acts that they no longer are infallible acts as at least some of the investigation and care into examining the person's life has been removed?

Thanks.

Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 5/6/2007:

The canonization of a saint does not constitute a definitive (infallible) statement, although it is certainly an authoritative statement that requires religious assent by the faithful.

The role of highlighting possible doubts regarding a cause for canonization falls to the "promotor of justice." Two theological censors are also required to review all writings of the person. There is further review by consultors at the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

I am not sure about the credibility of your sources of information.

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Theologians aren't infallible, but have thought to be infallible by theologians, not by official Church declaration.