Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Sainthood exam for John Paul II ends

Houston Chronicle
March 10, 2007, 6:11AM

© 2007 The Associated Press

VATICAN CITY — The Rome diocese has wrapped up its examination of Pope John Paul II's virtues and life, an important step in the Catholic Church's process that could lead to sainthood for the late pontiff.

Rome Cardinal Camillo Ruini said Saturday he had been informed that completion of work by the diocese on the cause for beatification and sainthood will be marked with a ceremony in St. John's Lateran Basilica on April 2 in the capital. The date is the second anniversary of John Paul's death.

All pontiffs serve as bishop of Rome, and so the diocese examined "the life, virtues and reputation for holiness" of the late pope.

Now the Vatican must take up its own examination of the same characteristics, a process which can take years.

Shortly after John Paul's death, with faithful clamoring for quick canonization, Pope Benedict XVI, the pontiff's successor, waived the customary five-year waiting period to open the case for possible sainthood.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 2:27 PM