After struggling with Parkinson's disease for more than a decade, Pope John Paul II died in his room at the Vatican. Near death, aware of the many young people in St. Peter's Square praying for him, he said “I have looked for you, now you have come to me. And I thank you.”
This happened for John Paul in May 2005, after his successor, Pope Benedict, waived the usual 5-year waiting period.
Since John Paul was from Poland, but spent nearly three decades as pope, the Diocese of Rome manages the cause with help from the Krakow Diocese. On May 18, 2005, the tribunal begins gathering testimonies, writings, personal letters, and any information either favorable or contrary regarding his life.
Sister Marie Simon Pierre and her fellow nuns pray to John Paul to alleviate her Parkinson's disease. On June 1, 2005, she is cured.
On April 2, 2007, the “positio” containing all the diocesan research on John Paul's life, goes to the congregation for the Causes of Saints, which examines the materials, including possible cures, with greater scrutiny by historians, doctors, theologians and cardinals.
After the congregation reaches a positive decision about John Paul's holiness, on December 19, 2009, Pope Benedict signs the “decree of heroic virtue” and John Paul is declared “Venerable.”
On January 14, 2011, after the congregation affirms the cure's evidence, Pope Benedict authorizes the congregation to promulgate the decrees concerning the miracle, making beatification possible.
On May 1, 2011, John Paul II will be beatified at the Vatican, by his successor Pope Benedict XVI.
Before Pope John Paul can be declared a “saint,” a second authentic miracle is required.
Although many Blesseds become Saints, it is never a guarantee; and if John Paul is beatified, it may be years before he too is declared a “Saint.”
The department in the Vatican that deals with causes for sainthood in Rome, and which investigates and approves the causes.
The appointed person who manages the logistics of the case.
When a person prays to God for another person. Regarding canonization, this happens also when a person prays to the candidate for sainthood, asking the candidate to intercede on their behalf.
Scientifically unexplainable occurrences (usually medical cures). Miracles that happen through such intercessory prayers are considered a possible sign that the candidate is with God. One authenticated miracle is required for beatification, and an additional one for canonization.