Neste store saligkåring: pave Johannes XXIII?

VATICAN (CWNews.com) - After the May 2 beatification of Padre Pio, the cause most interesting to Italians is that of Pope John XXIII. Informed sources at the Vatican now indicate that John XXIII could be beatified in September 2000.

The enthusiasm for the late pontiff's cause has been redoubled in the wake of an announcement that on April 22, doctors commissioned by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints announced that there was no scientific explanation for the cure of Sister Caterina Capitani, whose gastric hemorrhage suddenly stopped after was blessed with a relic of John XXIII. A commission of theologians will now study the healing. If they pronounce it miraculous, the way will be clear for the beatification.

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints has already proclaimed that the man born as Angelo Roncalli lived a life of "heroic virtue." That determination was ratified by Pope John Paul II, fulfilling one crucial condition for beatification. The official recognition of a miracle would fulfill the other key condition.

The cause for the beatification of John XXIII was introduced by Pope Paul VI in 1965, after the close of the Second Vatican Council. At the same time, Paul VI also introduced a cause for the beatification of Pope Pius XII.

Catholic World News