Pope John Paul II - Beatification in 2011?

A reliable report has come out today describing a scenario where Pope John Paul II receives Beatification this spring. CNA reports that Andrea Tornielli, a well regarded Vatican insider, has reported that this is what he is hearing.

CNA reports what Tornielli said in an Italian newspaper:

In the Jan. 4 edition of the Italian newspaper Il Giornale, he reports that medical advisers of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints have ruled favorably on a miracle attributed to John Paul II’s intercession. The documentation has also passed the scrutiny of theologians.

The case involves the healing of a French religious sister from Parkinson’s disease. Sr. Marie Simon-Pierre was diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease in 2001. Her order prayed to John Paul II after his death for help. After writing the Pope’s name on a piece of paper one night in June 2005, she reportedly awoke the next morning cured and was able to resume her work as a maternity nurse.

This puts the whole process one step closer to full Sainthood, which many feel is inevitable. The process though is very deliberate and there is a lot that has to happen before Canonization can occur. On top of that, John Paul's immense popularity places logistical issues into the mix. CNA explains the rest of the process:

The cause for beatification will now advance to the bishops heading the congregation. They will vote on the matter in several weeks.

In theory, it is possible that Pope John Paul II could be beatified on April 2, 2011, the sixth anniversary of his death. Other possible dates are the late pontiff’s birthday, May 18, or the Oct. 16 anniversary of his 1978 election to the papacy.

A beatification Mass would draw huge crowds and would require significant preparation. This makes a later date more likely.

Pope John Paul II was declared “venerable” in December 2009. If he is beatified, another recognized miracle would be required to declare him a saint.

It seems like we will most likely know something in the next month or two, until then we must continue to pray.



For the original story please see:
John Paull II Beatifiation could be possible in 2011 - CNA

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