Beatification is a recognition by the Catholic Church that a deceased person lived a life of exceptional virtue and is now in heaven. This process is a step toward sainthood, allowing the individual to be called "Blessed." It typically involves an investigation of the person's life, writings, and miracles attributed to them. To be beatified, a candidate must usually have one verified miracle attributed to their intercession after their death. This process is part of the larger canonization process, which ultimately leads to being declared a saint. Beatification allows the faithful to seek the intercession of the Blessed in their prayers.