What role does a miracle play in beatification?

A verified miracle, such as an inexplicable healing that is attributed to a deceased holy person’s intercession, is central to beatification. The Roman Catholic Church requires that a panel of independent medical experts determine whether there is a natural cause (i.e., a scientific basis) for the miracle’s occurrence. If the miracle is deemed to be authentic, then the holy person may be beatified and declared “Blessed.” A second miracle must be verified for the person to be canonized, or declared a “Saint.”