By Marta Lago
VATICAN CITY, MAY 21, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The rigorous process involved in a beatification cause makes it impossible to predict a date for the possible beatification of Pope John Paul II, says the prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Saints' Causes.
This week, several press reports projected a 2009 beatification date, because the postulator of the Polish Pope's cause, Monsignor Slawomir Oder, expressed his "personal hope" that the process could be concluded by the end of next year.
But Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Vatican dicastery that oversees this process, explained that it is impossible to give a precise date, since "everything depends on how the development of the cause proceeds through the various phases."
The cardinal addressed the rumors Tuesday when he participated in the presentation of the book "Benedictus" by Giuseppe de Carli.
He explained: "Once the 'positio' is turned into the congregation over which I have the honor of presiding, there are various stages: The study from the historians, the study from the theologians, the study afterward of the doctors regarding the existence of a presumed miracle, the examination of the cardinals -- so predictions [about a final date] can't be made."
The fourth anniversary of John Paul II's death -- April 2, 2009 -- was the date proposed by some of the would-be prophets. Cardinal Saraiva Martins clarified, "I can only say that there cannot be predictions. It could be around that time, it could be before, could be after -- but there is no reasonable way to make predictions because underlying information is lacking."
After the Congregation for Saints' Causes completes its reports, if it arrives to a positive conclusion, it corresponds to the Pope to approve a decree recognizing the heroic virtues of a possible saint so that he or she can be declared venerable. Then, a verified miracle needs to be attributed to the person's intercession so that he or she can be proclaimed blessed. Another miracle is required for canonization.
ZE08052102 - 2008-05-21
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-22644?l=english
Date Can't Be Given for a John Paul II Beatification
Prefect of Vatican Congregation Clarifies Rumors
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