Vatican City, Apr 9, 2005 / 22:00 pm
The start of the beatification process for Pope John Paul II is entirely up to the new Pope, said Vatican Press Office director Joaquin Navarro-Valls at an April 9 press conference.
During the funeral mass for the late pontiff, April 8, pilgrims spontaneously called on the Vatican to immediately open the process of beatification for Pope John Paul II and to raise him to the altar of the saints quickly. Several pilgrims held banners that read “Subito Santo” (Saint immediately) and thousands chanted “Santo! Santo!” (Saint! Saint!)
Several commentators have noted that the people’s call for Pope John Paul II’s canonization hearkens back to the early days of the Church, when saints were made by popular acclamation. Today, while John Paul II simplified the process in declaring a person a saint, the process is still quite long and elaborate, and it is overseen by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
Since the funeral, said Navarro-Valls, he has received countless questions about the beatification process for John Paul II. This, he told journalists, is up to the new pontiff.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA