The new norms are the fruit of a commission established in March 2015 by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, a source who works closely with the congregation told CNA.
The new rules govern the way funds for causes of canonization or beatification are both established and managed, particularly for what is called the "Roman phase" of cause.
The Roman phase follows the initial collection of evidence of the person's life and sanctity at the diocesan level, as well as the preparation of a "position" paper, which is frequently thousands of pages long and includes the details of the proposed saint's earthly life. The report is then presented to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which takes over for the "Roman phase" of the process.
The rules call for an administrator to be named by the "actor" of the cause, meaning the entity who initially asked the Church to open it. The person nominated can also be the postulator of the cause, and must be approved by the local bishop.
One of the primary tasks of the administrator is manage the funds allocated for the cause, and to make sure the use of the money "scrupulously respects" the intention of the donors.
They will be required to keep updated accounts of the funds, and will also prepare an annual budget, financial statements, and a final balance sheet to be sent to the actor of the cause for approval. Once the actor approves it, they must also send a copy to the competent authorities overseeing the process, which can include diocesan bishops or religious superiors.