.- In statements picked up by the Europa Press news agency, the Prefect for the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, said it was not possible to set a timetable for how long it would take for the beatification of John Paul II. Referring to the process of beatification initiated by the Diocese of Rome, Cardinal Saraiva noted, “It is not possible to foresee how long the diocesan phase will take.”
“Any supposed miracle will have to be examined by doctors, who must tell us if there is a medical or scientific explanation,” the cardinal explained. “If there is no explanation, then the matter will go to the Congregation and we will have to determine if the unexplainable event took place because of a prayer for the intercession of John Paul II.”
