Step forward toward beatification of John Paul II?

July 02, 2009

The cause for beatification of Pope John Paul II has moved a step forward, according to a report by Andrea Tornielli of the Italian daily newspaper Il Giornale. Tornielli-- who has accurately predicted several recent developments inside the Vatican-- says that theological consultors working with the Congregation for the Causes of Saints have delivered a positive verdict on the positio, the full case in favor of a pronouncement that the life of John Paul II was marked by "heroic virtue." The positio will now be forwarded to the full Congregation for the Causes of Saints for a vote later this year, Tornielli says. If a decree of "heroic virtue" is approved by the Pope, the recognition of a miracle would be the only remaining requirement for the beatification of the late Pontiff.

The Vatican has not issued any official comment on Tornielli's report. As a matter of policy the Congregation for the Causes of Saints does not make public statements about continuing investigations.

Tornielli's story comes after reports that the cause for John Paul II has been delayed by disagreements among influential Vatican officials, with some-- notably the former Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano-- reportedly uncomfortable about the rapid advance of the cause.

 

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Further information:

• Via libera dei teologi alla beatificazione di Papa Wojtyla (Il Giornale
• Cause for John Paul II moves forward a step (Father Z-- includes translation of Tornielli report)