‘Devil’s advocate’ starts Pope saint probe

THE so-called “devil’s advocate” in John Paul II’s beatification process, who must investigate any doubts about his saintliness, yesterday pledged to remain objective, but hinted he supported the cause.

Giuseppe D’Alonzo, promoter of justice in the Diocese of Rome, said he was neither for nor against beatification for the late pope, who died on April 2.

“It’s not for me to decide,” he said. “I must verify the truth.”

But when asked his personal opinion about John Paul’s merits, he conceded: “It’s the opinion that ordinary people have, simple people who we all saw in St. Peter’s Square when there was the funeral Mass.”

Fr D’Alonzo was apparently referring to the chants of “Santo Subito!” or “Sainthood Immediately!” that erupted from the crowd during John Paul’s April 8 funeral. The calls prompted the new pope, Benedict XVI, to waive the traditional five-year waiting period and allow John Paul’s saint-making process to begin immediately.

The cause officially opens tomorrow, when all the officials involved take an oath to keep their proceedings secret and not accept “any type of gift” that might corrupt the process.

John Paul himself dispensed with the role of the “devil’s advocate” in 1983. The move raised some questions about whether the late pope was merely removing any potential obstacles to his desire to give the faithful as many role models as possible.

John Paul beatified and canonised more people than all his predecessors over the past 500 years combined.

Fr D’Alonzo said the “promoter of justice” fulfils the same task as the devil’s advocate, which is to raise objections and seek clarification about a candidate.

“My job is to try help the judge to find justice, help him dissipate any possible doubts on the person, any difficulties in the cause,” he said. “I ask questions about weak points that I have to try to clarify for the cause so it can proceed.” He acknowledged that, in the past, his role “was seen a bit negatively”. He said his job was merely “to look for equilibrium in the cause”.

Once the cause officially opens, two theological experts will gather all of John Paul’s published works from before he was Pope to determine if they are theologically sound. Meanwhile, a historical commission will collect John Paul’s non-published works. They will also gather letters, articles and books about him.

Then the process of interviewing witnesses will start.

If, during this process, a report of a miracle is deemed worthy of further investigation, officials will consult with doctors or scientists to determine if there is a medical explanation.

Once all the material is gathered, the Diocese of Rome turns the case over to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which must decide if John Paul has lived in a “heroic” way.

If the Vatican then confirms a miracle has occurred after John Paul’s death thanks to his intercession, he can be beatified. A second miracle is needed for him to be made a saint.