Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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DEVIL'S ADVOCATE (ADVOCATUS DIABOLI)
A popular name for the advocate of God, the Vatican official who is the promoter of the cause in a process of beatification and canonization. The name arose from the fact that he is required to raise objections to a person's alleged sanctity or reputation for having worked miracles.
