"Sainthood Now" for John Paul II Would Be Up to a Successor (funeral, church)

[Scott1]

VATICAN CITY, APRIL 10, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Asked about the possibility of John Paul II's immediate canonization, the Vatican clarified that the decision is the "exclusive competence" of his successor.

"Any other point of view is out of place," Vatican spokesman Joaquín Navarro Valls told reporters Saturday.

During Friday's funeral Mass, chants coming from the crowds called for "sainthood now" for John Paul II.

Italian newspapers reported Saturday on the existence of a dossier of miracles attributed to the Pope, but for his beatification, a miracle attributed to his intercession must take place after his death. And a miracle for his canonization must take place after his beatification.

The Church has established that a cause may not be opened for at least five years after the person's death, so that emotion will not affect the investigations.

A pope has the authority to make exceptions. This is what John Paul II did in the case of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, whose cause opened less than five years after her death.

John Paul II proclaimed 1,338 blessed and 482 saints, more than all his predecessors together since 1588, when procedures for these causes were instituted.

[Green Gaia]

What are your thoughts about that, Scott?

[Scott1]

No one should be an exception to the established set of rules in Canon Law.... that being said, I've not looked into the section of Canon Law dealing with this, so if it's OK, then fine.... but I would say that JP II would not want special treatment.... he viewed his life as service to Christ, His Church, and all humanity. Sainthood was not his reason for the way he lived his life, love was.... and you don't need to see the title "Saint" to know that he lived a live of love.

Scott

[Melody]

Scott,

I thought they had to have attributable "miracles" to their credit in order to be sainted (is that the right form of that word?). Mother Theresa wasn't given sainthood was she?

[Scott1]

Originally Posted by Melody

Scott,

I thought they had to have attributable "miracles" to their credit in order to be sainted (is that the right form of that word?). Mother Theresa wasn't given sainthood was she?

Yes Melody, those who want him to be pronounced a Saint want the process started right away (public veneration etc.) and there is a five year waiting period after death (I think)..... not that they want the process skipped and just call him a Saint, at least I hope they are not advocating that

You can read more about Saints in my article Catholic Saints.

.... and learn about St .Teresa of Calcutta by clicking the link.

Scott