Paris, France, Mar 2, 2004 / 22:00 pm
The French daily “Le Figaro” is reporting that Pope John Paul II could beatify the late French Prime Minister, Robert Schuman, considered one of the “fathers of Europe,” during a proposed Papal visit to Strasbourg scheduled for next September.
The paper claims “the diocesan investigation for the cause of canonization of the former French leader (1947-1948) has concluded at the diocesan level and should be quickly turned over to Rome, the last step towards possible beatification.”
At the Vatican, “the Congregation for the Causes of Saints has been expressly requested to expedite his case so that it will be ready in the coming months,” says the report.
According to “Le Figaro,” the Holy Father “could—if his health permits—travel to Strasburg next September, address the European Council and beatify a ‘father of Europe,’ Robert Schuman.”