John Paul II could become saint soon, says archbishop

Vatican City, Apr 10, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Pope John Paul II could be named a saint as early as October.

Archbishop Edward Nowak, the secretary for the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera that six months could be enough time to attribute two miracles to John Paul II, a requirement for canonization.

Despite reports of miracles carried out by John Paul II during his lifetime, only those occurring after his death would count toward his sainthood.

The Polish-born archbishop said the next Pope could choose to bypass the usual lengthy procedure, which dictates that the process for beatification begin only five years after a person’s death.

Pope John Paul II, for example, waived the five-year rule for Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, whose canonization process began only a year and a half after her death.

"The synod of bishops is meeting in Rome in October and it could be an appropriate opportunity to make such a decision," Archbishop Nowak was quoted as saying.

Since the Pope’s death April 2, there has been great enthusiasm among the faithful for his speedy canonization.

However, reports indicate that the Vatican is trying to curb this enthusiasm and follow appropriate procedures.

During John Paul’s funeral mass, April 8, the crowd of faithful broke out into the chant "santo, santo", while others held up large banners that read "Santo subito" (sainthood now).