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No more shortcuts on Pope John Paul’s road to sainthood

Church officials stress that canon law must be respected

The Death of Pope John Paul II

The death of Pope John Paul II two years ago brought an unprecedented public outpouring of grief, with the millions of pilgrims who thronged St Peter's Square for his funeral calling for him to be recognised immediately as a saint. "Santo subito" - "make him a saint straight away" - was the message on the placards waved above the crowd.

The Canonisation Process

His successor, Benedict XVI, appears to be sympathetic. He has waived a church rule that requires a five-year pause after an individual's death before the canonisation process can begin. In the exceptional case of Pope John Paul II, that period was just three months. The first phase of the process was concluded on April 2, the second anniversary of the pope's death, at a solemn liturgical ceremony in the Basilica of St John the Lateran.

The Miraculous Cure

Among those present was a 46-year-old French nun whose inexplicable cure from Parkinson's disease is likely to be recognised by the church as a miracle, paving the way for John Paul's beatification. Sister Marie Simon-Pierre says she was miraculously cured of her symptoms after praying for the intercession of the late pope. Admirers of the Polish pontiff have been pressing for a rapid conclusion, bringing the church into line with the spontaneous perception of many Catholics.

A Thorough Examination

But even the most enthusiastic now recognize the need for a thorough examination. Leading the canonisation charge has been his personal secretary, Archbishop Stanislao Dziwisz, but he too has recently sounded a note of caution. "Nothing must be rushed, so that no-one can accuse us afterwards of not having done things properly," Dziwisz said. Monsignor Slawomir Oder, the church official charged with promoting John Paul's beatification, has said there will be no more shortcuts on the road to sainthood. "Canon law must be respected and the church has her procedures," he warned recently.

Controversial Views

So far only a small minority of Catholics have raised their voices to suggest that Karol Wojtyla should not be made a saint at all. Among them are priests and theologians from around the world, and the progressive Catholic organization We Are Church, who wrote to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints last year to express reservations. They questioned the late pope's charity, prudence, and humility, pointing to various controversies during his papacy.

Hotels and Accommodation

When visiting Rome for such monumental events like the canonization of Pope John Paul II, visitors require suitable accommodation. Rome has a wide range of hotels available for all budgets and preferences. From luxury five-star hotels located near the Vatican City to boutique hotels in the heart of the city center, there is something for everyone.

Luxury Hotels

If you are looking for a luxurious stay, consider booking a room at one of Rome's top-rated five-star hotels. These hotels offer impeccable service, exquisite dining options, and stunning views of the city. Some popular choices include the Hassler Roma, Hotel Eden, and Hotel de Russie.

Boutique Hotels

For a more intimate and unique experience, boutique hotels in Rome are a great option. These smaller hotels often feature stylish and modern interiors, personalized service, and a cozy atmosphere. The Portrait Roma, Hotel Artemide, and The Fifteen Keys Hotel are highly recommended.

Budget-Friendly Options

If you are traveling on a tighter budget, there are also plenty of affordable hotel options in Rome. These hotels provide comfortable rooms, convenient locations, and reasonable prices. Consider staying at Hotel Italia, Hotel Des Artistes, or Hotel Centro.

No matter your preferences or budget, Rome offers a wide range of accommodation options to ensure a pleasant and memorable stay during your visit for the canonization of Pope John Paul II.