Church places John Paul II on path to possible sainthood
Cardinal Camillo Ruini, John Paul’s long-time collaborator and his vicar for Rome, presided over the Latin-filled ritual at St John Lateran basilica.
During the ceremony, all the officials involved in the “cause” took an oath to keep their work secret and refrain from taking any gifts that might corrupt the process.
Yet even before the cause opened, it seemed virtually everyone involved was in favour - including the official whose job it is to play “devil’s advocate”, or to investigate any doubts about the late Pope’s saintliness.
Pope Benedict XVI announced on May 13 that he was waiving the traditional five-year waiting period and allowing the saint-making process to begin immediately for John Paul, who died on April 2 after nearly 27 years guiding the church.
When Rev Giuseppe D’Alonzo, promoter of justice for the Diocese of Rome was asked his personal opinion about John Paul’s merits, he said: “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.”
He was apparently referring to the chants of “Santo Subito!” or “Sainthood Immediately!” that erupted during John Paul’s funeral.
Once all the material is gathered, the Diocese of Rome turns the case over to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints who 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.
