‘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.”