KRAKOW, Poland, MAY 28, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says that he prays for the speedy beatification of his predecessor Pope John Paul II.
The German Pontiff made that revelation Saturday when visiting some of the key places in the life of Karol Wojtyla.
He spoke spontaneously at the Shrine of the Virgin of Kalwaria, where young Karol had gone on pilgrimage with his father.
Shortly before, Benedict XVI visited the Wojtyla family home in Wadowice and was greeted by a crowd that filled the town square.
Among the acclamations, the people were shouting the words they had learned in Italian "Santo subito" (Sainthood now).
It was the same acclamation heard in St. Peter's Square during John Paul II's funeral in April 2005.
Speaking in Italian, Benedict XVI said at the end of his brief greeting: "I would also like to say, as dear Cardinal Stanislaw said, that I hope Divine Providence will soon concede the beatification and canonization of our beloved Pope John Paul II."
When addressing thousands of faithful in Wadowice, the Pope said that he had wanted to visit that place "to pray together with you so that he will soon be raised to the glory of the altar."
ZE06052813 - 2006-05-28
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-16145?l=english
Pope Eager for John Paul II's Beatification
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