Pope John Paul II could become saint this year
Source: telegraph.co.uk
Pope John Paul II could be named a saint in October, eight years after his death, following the recognition by Vatican doctors of a miracle attributed to the late pontiff, Italian media has reported. The Polish pope was beatified in 2011 – the first step towards sainthood – after a French nun was reportedly cured of Parkinson’s Disease after prayers on her behalf were said to him.
To be canonised, a second miracle must be attributed to the John Paul, and the Italian Catholic magazine Credere claimed that a panel of seven medical experts at the Vatican has approved a case after studying the medical files and listening to witnesses.
The miracle reportedly involved an as yet unnamed woman, according to Italian media, citing Vatican sources, and occurred on the day John Paul was beatified.
A Vatican spokesman declined to comment on the work of the panel, which is led by Patrizio Polisca, the personal physician to Pope Francis.
Although the case for canonisation of John Paul must now receive approval from Vatican cardinals, theologians and the Pope, the medical approval of the miracle is considered the toughest hurdle, and Italian media speculated on Tuesday that John Paul could be made a saint on October 20.
The pope’s rapid path to sainthood was helped by his successor, Pope Benedict, who waived the usual five year waiting period before a person can considered for beatification after they die.
Read the full article at: telegraph.co.uk
In this 1979 file photo, Pope John Paul II, left, poses with Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Munich (who later became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005)
