4.
Once the diocesan investigation is finished, the acts and documentation
are passed on to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
The
public copy used for further work is put together here. The postulator,
resident
in Rome, follows the preparation of the summary of
the
documentation that proves the heroic exercise of virtue, under
the
direction of a relator of the Congregation.
The
'Positio' undergoes an examination
(theological) by nine
theologians who give their vote.
If
the majority of the theologians are in favor, the cause is passed on
for
examination by cardinals and bishops who are members of
the
congregation.
They
hold meetings twice a month. If their judgment is favorable,
the
prefect of the congregation presents the
results of the entire course
of the cause to the Holy Father, who gives his approval and authorizes
the
congregation to draft the relative decree.
The
public reading and promulgation of the
decree follows.