Diocese of Rome formally opens sainthood cause for Pope John Paul II

Published: 2005-06-01

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Diocese of Rome formally opened the sainthood cause of Pope John Paul II, asking Catholics around the world to present evidence "for or against" his reputation for holiness. The edict signed by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, papal vicar of Rome, launched the information-gathering stage of the late pope's cause. In mid-May, Pope Benedict XVI waived the normal five-year waiting period and said work on the sainthood cause of his predecessor could begin immediately. Cardinal Ruini's announcement was published May 31 on the front page of the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, and was ordered posted on the doors of church offices in Rome and in Pope John Paul's native Poland. The request for information was expected to prompt an avalanche of testimonials from Catholics and could also bring to light unpublished letters and other writings of the late pope.

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