ROME, JUNE 10, 2005 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II’s cause of beatification and canonization with officially begin June 28, announced the vicar for the Diocese of Rome.
«On Tuesday, June 28, at 6 p.m., in this Basilica of St. John Lateran, during the first vespers of the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, we will open officially the cause of beatification and canonization of our most beloved Bishop and Pope, John Paul II,» Cardinal Camillo Ruini said Thursday at the closing ceremony of the diocesan congress on the «Family and Christian Community.»
The announcement was received with loud applause by the faithful who were in the Basilica of St. John Lateran for the event.
«It will be for us all a great gift and an extraordinary reason to give thanks to the Lord,» added the cardinal.
On May 13 Benedict XVI waived the five-year waiting period, established by canon law, to begin with the process of canonization of Pope John Paul II, who died April 2.
During the funeral of John Paul II on April 8, the faithful in St. Peter’s Square appealed for his immediate canonization by chanting «santo subito» (sainthood now).
The process will begin in his diocese, the Diocese of Rome, and will investigate all writings and documentation on John Paul II, his life and virtues, testimonies of those who knew him, and an analysis of possible miracles attributed to his intercession.
