Q: I’ve heard that Pope John Paul II is being made a saint. It’s just two years since he died. Doesn’t it normally take longer than that?

Yes, it does. There is normally a five year wait after the person’s death before the process of investigation begins.

On 28 April 2005, the Holy Father Benedict XVI announced that the normal five-year waiting period before beginning the cause of beatification and canonization would be waived for John Paul II. The cause was officially opened by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome, on 28 June 2005.

Another notable exception to the waiver of the five year waiting period was Mother Teresa.

Each process starts with a solemn ceremony in which all the officials involved must take an oath that they will not accept any gifts that will influence their choices. The local bishop then investigates the life of the candidate and the findings are sent to the Vatican. After approval by a panel of theologians and Cardinals, the Pope proclaims the candidate as “Venerable”, meaning a role model of Roman Catholic virtues. The next step, if it is determined by the Church that the candidate is responsible for a miracle after his or her death, is beatification. Finally, for the designation of a Saint, the Church must certify proof of a second posthumous miracle.

There still needs to be extensive research completed on the life of Pope John Paul II and evidence found of one miracle that can be traced to him before he can be beatified.