Canonization approved for Popes John Paul II, John XXIII
July 05, 2013
Pope Francis has approved the canonization of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII.
Confirming reports that had circulated earlier this week, the Vatican announced on July 5 that the Pope had approved a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, testifying to the authenticity of a 2nd miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed John Paul II. That miracle fulfills the requirements for canonization of the late Polish Pontiff.
In an unusual move, Pope Francis waived the requirement for a 2nd miracle in the case of Blessed John XXIII, clearing the way for the canonization of the “Good Pope John” who convened the Second Vatican Council.
Church rules governing the process for beatification and canonization ordinarily require the confirmation of 2 miracles: the first before a candidate is beatified, and a 2nd subsequent miracle after the beatification to fulfill the requirements for canonization. Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, observed that the 1st miracle had already been certified for the beatification of John XXIII, and Pope Francis has the authority to dispense with the requirement for a 2nd miracle.
The 2nd miracle attributed to Blessed John Paul II reportedly involves a Costa Rican woman, who was cured of a cerebral aneurism on May 1, 2011: the date of the beatification of John Paul II. The Vatican has not commented on reports about the miracle.
Pope Francis signed decrees calling for the canonization of both John Paul II and John XXIII at a meeting on July 5 with Cardinal Angelo Amato, the prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The Pope also called for a consistory of cardinals to make plans for the canonization ceremonies.
Vatican journalists speculate that the two Pontiffs could be canonized at the same ceremony, which would undoubted bring enormous crowds to the Vatican. The ceremony could take place before the end of this calendar year.
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Further information:
- Pope Francis signs canonization decrees for John XXIII and John Paul II (Vatican Radio)
- Pope Francis clears John Paul II for sainthood (AP)
- Miracle approved, canonization looms for John Paul II (CWN, 7/2)
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Posted by: Lucius49 -
Jul. 05, 2013 6:19 PM ET USA
The second miracle was dispensed here. My question is what's the rush? What about Ven Pius XII? Is this rush simply to validate the post-conciliar situation? I don't think a rush to canonize is a good thing for the Church. At one time Pope Benedict as Cardinal Ratzinger indicated this plethora of beatifications and canonizations was not a good thing although he followed suit as Pope. Perhaps a pause and deep breath is in order.
