Does the Pope decide who becomes a saint?

Answer 1

The process by which someone becomes a saint is called canonization. The Catholic church has canonized around 3,000 people -- the exact number is unknown because not all saints were officially canonized. According to the church, the pope does not make someone a saint -- the designation of sainthood only recognizes what God has already done. For centuries, saints were chosen through public opinion. In the 10th century, Pope John XV developed an official canonization process.

So overall No.

Clarification:

Investigations into a candidate's qualifications to be declared a saint are carried out under the auspices of the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Once they feel they have sufficient information, they pass the case along to the pope who makes the final decision.

Answer 2

No, most of the Popes are not. Some are, and some are "Blesseds". Not all are saints though.

Answer 3

Actually, there have been very few popes that have been canonized. Most are not saints.

Answer 4

About 80 of the 266 men who have been popes have been elevated to sainthood. There have been a few popes who led anything but saintly lives and were the most vile and evil of men.

Answer 5

Of 265 popes, about 78 have been named as saints.