Baltimore, Md., Nov 15, 2011 / 15:10 pm
The U.S. bishops approved adding optional memorials for Blessed Pope John Paul II and Blessed Marianne Cope to the U.S. Proper of Saints calendar.
The memorials were discussed and approved on Nov. 15 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops during their fall General Assembly, which was held in Baltimore.
By a vote of 154-2, the bishops approved placing a memorial for Bl. John Paul II on the calendar for Oct. 22, the anniversary of his election as Pope in 1978.
At the time of his death on April 2, 2005, devotion to Pope John Paul II was already widespread and cries of “Santo Subito!” (Saint Now!) were heard in St. Peter’s Square following his passing.