Late pope lived 'extraordinary' life, says Vatican's sainthood chief

Published: 2005-05-13

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI's decision to waive the five-year waiting period before Pope John Paul II's sainthood cause could begin was an "exceptional, extraordinary" move because the late pope was extraordinary, said Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins. "We all expected it because John Paul II's fame of holiness was clear to all," the cardinal, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, told Vatican Radio May 13, a few hours after Pope Benedict announced his decision. The cardinal said the Rome Diocese "must proceed with the official opening of the cause for beatification, as well as with nominating a postulator" to guide and promote the work. Generally, a canonization cause is opened by the diocese where the potential saint died.

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