Pope waives rules to canonise John Paul II

THE Pope yesterday won praise for his decision to break with tradition to begin the process of turning his predecessor, John Paul II, into a saint.

Pope Benedict XVI announced his intention to dispense with the normal practice of a five-year waiting period following the death of a possible candidate, by authorising the start of the process of beatification - the first step to sainthood.

"And now I have a very joyous piece of news for you," the Pope said, before making the announcement during a meeting at the Basilica of St John Lateran with the Roman clergy.

However, even with the waiting period lifted, a lengthy investigation into John Paul’s life and confirmation of a miracle attributed to him would be required before he could be beatified. Vatican procedures require one miracle for someone to be beatified and a second to be canonised.

The last time the rules were set aside was when John Paul II lifted the five-year waiting period for Mother Teresa.

The five-year waiting rule is meant, among other things, to allow emotions to settle after a person dies and for documentation and witnesses supporting the sainthood to be prepared.

But yesterday’s decision was welcomed by the Archbishop of Westminster, who said that the Pope had responded to the "heartfelt wish of millions of us" by beginning the process for the sainthood.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor said: "It is exceptional to start the process of beatification so soon. But John Paul II was an exceptional man and Pope Benedict has responded to the heartfelt wish of millions of us who hope to see formal recognition of what we know already in our hearts to be true.

"Pope John Paul was truly a holy man and Catholics wish this lengthy process to begin so that they can reflect on the significance of his life and faithful ministry in the service of God and his people."