Pope John Paul II Sainthood In Process [VIDEO]: Vatican attributes Second Pope John Paul II Miracle, Two Miracles Must Be Performed
Pope John Paul II sainthood is finally a reality, according to a Vatican announcement today. The Catholic Church and Catholics have cause for celebration. The Pope John Paul II miracle was enough to gain him saint status. The John Paul II canonization date remains unknown.
Pope Francis approved a second miracle attributed to Pope John Paul II who led the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005. The Pontiff ultimately decides who is to become a saint.
The Vatican said Pope John XXIII would also be made a saint. He reigned from 1958 to 1963 and called the Second Vatican Council.
Watch Pope John Paul II sainthood video report here:
The dates for canonization ceremonies remain unclear.
According to the Daily Mail, in the middle of John Paul's 2005 funeral Mass, chants of 'Santo Subito!' or 'Sainthood Now!' were cried in St. Peter's Square.
Then-Pope Benedict XVI choose to waive the usual five-year waiting period, allowing an investigation into John Paul's life to begin immediately.
The investigation's determination that the beloved Polish-born pope lived a virtuous life was the first step in the sainthood process.
Afterwards, the Vatican determined that a French nun who prayed for Pope John Paul II miracle help was miraculously cured of Parkinson's disease.
A second miracle is needed for canonization, but the Vatican hasn't given any details about that second miracle.
One possible canonization date is December 8. This is the feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is a major feast day for the Catholic Church. This year the feast falls on a Sunday, when canonizations usually occur.
John Paul II sainthood has been on the fast track ever since his 2005 death, but there are concerns about how quickly the process has gone.
The Holy See has many problems, such as dysfunctional governance, financial scandals and clerical sex abuse. Many of these problems went on while Pope John Paul II was pontiff.