Holy See says beatification of John Paul II not imminent

Vatican City, Nov 4, 2009 / 04:49 pm MT (CNA).-

The Holy See’s press office has denied a report published by the Italian daily La Repubblica, which made claims that John Paul II will be beatified in 2010 and that Rome and Krakow are locked in a dispute over which city will host the ceremony.

Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office said Pope John Paul II “will surely be beatified,” but the process must be completed, including the decree certifying a miracle.

Lombardi also denied the reported tension between Rome and Krakow, Poland.  “The Pope is the Pope and he belongs to the universal Church,” he said.