Pope and blessings?

Question

I heard on the radio today that in order for the previous Pope to receive this (didn't hear what it was), he had to (from the grave I guess) perform a miracle.

My questions are:

1. It sounded like they were trying to honor the previous Pople for something but what exactly are they talking about?

2. Blessings? Is this standard custom? Already a nun is claiming that the previous Pope cured her of Parkinson's. How valid are these claims?

I'm not trying to disprove anything, I'm simply not in touch with Catholicism and was intrigued by what I heard (wish I heard it all).

Answer 1

There is what is called a “cause” to declare the late great Pope John Paul II a Saint. A Saint is someone specifically recognized because of great holiness in life to already be in heaven (everyone who goes to heaven is a saint, lower-case “s,” of course, but Saints are known to the world to be there for sure). The Catholic Church has a rigorous and exhaustive investigative process for Saints. The first step toward sainthood is beatification, determining the holiness of the deceased, and a miracle (such as the nun’s cure of Parkinson’s) decisively attributed to intercession by that candidate for sainthood (in this case, the late John Paul) is required for that decision. The sisters all prayed to John Paul to ask God to cure her, and she was cured, so this is evidence suggesting John Paul already has a place in heaven where he can add his prayers to God to those of us on earth. Another miracle, decisively attributed to his intercession (God works the miracle, of course), will be required for his canonization, that is, to make him a Saint of the Church. This is just a “cliff notes” version, so I suggest you go to a reputable source for more information.

Answer 2

I'm not Catholic, but my educated guess would be,

1: The honor is called Canonization. It's the formal process one must go through (so to speak since he's dead) to become a recognized Saint of the Catholic Church.

2: About as valid as any miracle claim I would think, which is not very in my opinion. However, in order to become a Saint you have to have performed three (I believe) miracles. If the nun is really pulling for the previous Pope then claiming such a thing would be a point in his favor if the Church can "verify" the miracle took place.

Answer 3

In order for the deceased pope, or anyone for that matter, to be caccnonized (declared a saint) they must perform a specific number of miracles which are spcifically attributed to them. However, miracles are only a part of the "test". There are many other things that must be accomplished prior to being declared a saint.

When anyone declares that Pope John Paul (or any other deceased person) cured them or granted blessings upon them, the church would then try to disprove the claim from every facet until it was satisfied that the only explanation would be a miracle.

Hope this explains it in a simple answer.

Answer 4

Pope John Paul II is being considered for sainthood.

At least two miracles, after their death, have to be attributed to someone to qualify for sainthood.

These miracles are investigated as best as is humanly possible.

Here is the modern method of canonization:

In order to allow greater objectivity and less emotion, no petition for sainthood can be made until at least 5 years after the candidate’s death.

+ Diocesan Investigation +

A diocese, parish, religious congregation, or association asks the bishop of the diocese in which the candidate died to open the investigation. After Vatican approval, the bishop forms a diocesan tribunal.

Witnesses are called before the tribunal to recount the candidate’s heroic exercise of Christian virtues. All documents regarding the candidate must be gathered.

At this point he is entitled to the title of Servant of God.

+ Vatican Investigation +

All documentation is passed on to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican.

The cause undergoes an examination by nine theologians.

If passed, the cause is for examined by the Congregation.

If passed, the cause is presented to the Pope for approval. A decree is published and read publicly.

+ Beatification +

A miracle attributed to the Servant of God is necessary.

The miracle must be proven through an appropriate investigation and another decree is issued.

Then the Pope decides on beatification.

With beatification, the candidate receives the title of Blessed.

+ Canonization +

Another miracle occurring after beatification is needed for canonization (sainthood), attributed to the Blessed’s intercession.

This miracle must again be proven through an appropriate investigation.

Papal infallibility is involved with canonization.

The Blessed acquires the title of Saint.

+ With love in Christ.

Answer 5

I did not hear what you are speaking of, but you describe beatification, a first step before canonization, and he would not perform the miracle as miracles are performed by God. The miracle would be done with his intercession or aid, as in him praying along side so to speak.

And contrary to what some say Catholicism is not idolatry, and those who believe so should keep their comments to the subject of the question.

Answer 6

it normally takes 5 years before someone can even be considered for sainthood. pope benedict lifted that five year time period for pope john paul ii as pope john paul ii did for mother theresa. there must be two miracles perform after death (which are thouroughly investigated before they even get to the Vatican and then more thoroughly investigated once they do) before someone can be canonized a saint. If one miracle is proven true, the person is beatified.

Answer 7

There is talk in the Catholic church about elevating the previous pope John Paul II to sainthood.

Answer 8

They want to make JP2 a saint in less then the 5 year limit. They need to have people pray to him asking him to intercess on their behalf for a miracle or healing.
The nun supposely has doctor exams and other medical info proving she had the illness.
I am Catholic but JP2 was not a good pope in my eyes and I do not want him to be made a saint. He was the one responsible for keeping the scandal quiet and doing nothing. I blame him as the head of the church for not doing anything. To make him a pope is sick in my opinion.

Answer 9

Catholicism is all idolatry. The Pope can't heal anyone of anything, it is God who does the healing.

Answer 10

I would have had to have heard the broadcast.