Beatification of John Paul II not imminent, prefect reveals
April 01, 2009
During his weekly public audience on April 1, Pope Benedict XVI told a group of Polish pilgrims that he is praying for the beatification of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II. But the prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints said that there are no imminent plans for the beatification of the Polish Pontiff.
"We cannot predict a precise schedule" for the cause, said Archbishop Angelo Amato. He observed that especially in light of the accelerated schedule for the cause, his office wanted to be "particularly thorough" in its research.
Italian and Polish news media have speculated in recent weeks that the beatification of John Paul II could take place on April 2 of next year: the 5th anniversary of his death. That date remains a possibility.
Pope Benedict will preside at a special Mass in St. Peter's basilica at 6 pm on Thursday, April 2, marking the 4th anniversary of his predecessor's death.
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