If you said that in a country like Russia, they'd be highly offended by the idea. It's home to a huge segment of Christianity and they've been naming saints for centuries without any input from the Pope or the Catholic Church, and sometimes in direct opposition to the Catholic Church's thoughts on the matter.
For example, St Herman of Alaska is widely recognized as a saint and has been named the patron saint of North America for Orthodox Christians. He's even been recognized as such by the U.S. Congress. But the Catholic Church, the Vatican, and the Pope had no say whatsoever in this process.
People who think designating sainthood is only exercised by Catholic Popes must not have a good understanding of Christian history.
However, I said over and over that I was speaking in general terms, and chose the Catholic church because they are the ones the world recognizes the most with regards to Sainthood. I also stated that it was not the exclusive domain of the Catholic church as well. But in literal terms you are correct.