Vatican City, May 16, 2005 / 22:00 pm
When Pope Benedict XVI announced Friday that he would waive the traditional five-year waiting period before starting the beatification process for the late John Paul II, clergy in Rome’s St. John Lateran Basilica greeted the news with an uproarious standing ovation.
Although faithful around the globe are rejoicing at the news, a Vatican official cautioned Saturday that the process would likely still take some time.
Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, head of the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints, told the Italian La Stampa, that while "It's a wonderful gesture”, steps to sainthood still include a review of John Paul’s writings, interviews with those who knew him, and confirmation of a miracle attributed to the late Pope’s intercession.
A second miracle would be required after beatification to declare John Paul a saint.