Pope John Paul II Beatification

The buzz in Rome this Spring is all about the events surrounding the beatification of Pope John Paul II. Beatification is the formal declaration of someone as “blessed”, and is the first of three steps to becoming a saint.

On the 16th of January, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared:

"Dear Brothers and Sisters:As you know, next 1 May I shall have the joy of beatifying my beloved predecessor, venerable Pope John Paul II.The Date Chosen is deeply meaningful. It will in fact be the second Sunday of Easter, which he himself entitled Divine Mercy Sunday, on the eve of which his life on earth ended. Those who knew him, those who esteemed and love him, cannot but rejoice with the Church in this event. We are glad!"

In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI ruled that Pope John Paul II had cured a french nun of Parkinson's disease. In order for this miracle to be considered valid, there can be no scientific explanation for the occurrence. A second miracle must be proven before he can pass to the final stage of sainthood.

The decree has brought immense joy to those who loved Pope John Paul and gathered at the Vatican upon his death in 2005 shouting “Santo Subito” (sainthood right away!).

Preparations are already underway for the relocation of Pope John Paul II's tomb from underneath St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican to a side chapel within the main floor of the church. To view the live webcam of the current tombs, click here.  Masses of visitors and pilgrims are expected to visit the Vatican for the special events this coming May. No special tickets to the canonization of John Paul are required, events are open to all.  A special website has been decicated to the beatification of Pope John Paul at the Vatican.