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Saint

A saint is a person regarded as especially holy or close to the sacred in several religious traditions, especially Christianity.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A saint is a person regarded as especially holy or close to the sacred in several religious traditions, especially Christianity. In Christianity, the term can refer broadly to all believers in some Protestant traditions, while in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox practice it often refers to people formally or informally recognized for exceptional holiness and exemplary lives. Canadian Christians belong to traditions that use the term differently, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant churches across Canada.

Meaning and usage

The term saint generally refers to a person considered holy, sacred, or especially close to God. Its meaning varies across religious traditions and even within Christianity. The word is derived from Latin sanctus, meaning 'holy.'

Christian traditions

In some Protestant traditions, all Christians are described as saints. In Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, saints are also individuals specially venerated for holiness, exemplary virtue, or martyrdom. In the New Testament, the term often refers to Christians generally rather than only formally canonized figures.

Canonization and veneration

In Roman Catholicism, canonization is the formal process by which the Church declares someone a saint. Eastern Orthodox Christianity also venerates saints, though recognition practices differ from Roman Catholic canonization. Veneration of saints typically involves honoring their lives and asking for their intercession, depending on the tradition.

Use beyond Christianity

Related ideas of sainthood appear in other religions as well, where holy or exemplary people may be honored as saints or saint-like figures. The exact criteria and practices differ widely.

Key facts

  • The word saint is derived from Latin sanctus, meaning 'holy.'
  • In the New Testament, the term often refers to Christians generally rather than only formally canonized figures.
  • Roman Catholicism uses canonization as an official declaration that a deceased person is a saint.
  • Eastern Orthodox Christianity also venerates saints, though recognition practices differ from Roman Catholic canonization.
  • Many Protestant traditions use saints to mean all believers in Christ.
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Canadian context

Canadian Christians belong to traditions that use the term differently, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant churches across Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What does “saint” mean?
A saint is a person regarded as holy or especially close to the sacred. In Christianity, the term can mean all believers or specifically revered holy people, depending on the denomination.
Are all Christians called saints?
In many Protestant and biblical uses, yes. In Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox contexts, the term is also used more specifically for specially recognized holy persons.
What is canonization?
Canonization is the formal process, used in Roman Catholicism, by which the Church declares a deceased person to be a saint.
Do Orthodox Christians have saints?
Yes. Eastern Orthodox Christianity venerates saints and recognizes holy persons, though its practices and procedures differ from Roman Catholic canonization.
Where does the word come from?
It comes from the Latin word sanctus, meaning 'holy.'
Is the term used only in Christianity?
No. Similar ideas of saints or holy people appear in other religions, though the meaning and authority structure vary.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint
    Supports: General definition of saint in Christian belief and broad usage.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/saint
    Supports: Definition of saint across religions and mention of canonization in Roman Catholicism.
  3. American Bible Society — https://www.americanbible.org/news/articles/please-tell-me-the-definition-of-a-saint/
    Supports: Christian/Biblical use of saints and canonization in Catholic tradition.
  4. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/saint
    Supports: Historical development of sainthood and canonization in the Roman Catholic Church.
  5. New World Encyclopedia — https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Saint
    Supports: Differences in saint usage among Orthodox and Protestant traditions.