Diocese of Rome concludes first phase of late pope's sainthood cause

Published: 2007-04-02

ROME (CNS) -- With prayers, song and formal oaths in Latin, officials of the Diocese of Rome concluded the initial phase of the process for the canonization of Pope John Paul II. During this phase, more than 120 people who knew Pope John Paul were interviewed about his actions and character, and studies were conducted on his ministry, the way he handled suffering and how he faced his death, said Cardinal Camillo Ruini, papal vicar of Rome. "In the certainty of being loved by God and in the joy of responding to that love," the late pope "found the meaning, unity and aim of his life," Cardinal Ruini said during a prayer service in the Basilica of St. John Lateran April 2, the second anniversary of Pope John Paul's death. The documents from the investigation were placed in five chests, latched, tied with a red ribbon, then sealed with red wax. They will be delivered to the Congregation for Saints' Causes for further study.

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