Pope Francis has recognized that Pope John Paul I, who served only 33 days as pope, lived the Christian virtues in a heroic way.
The Vatican announced Pope Francis’ decision on November 9. It marks the first major step on the path to sainthood for the pope who died in 1978 at the age of 65, shocking the world and a church that had just mourned the death of Paul VI.
According to the Catholic faith, Pope Francis would have to recognize a miracle attributed to the late pope’s intercession in order for him to be beatified, the next step toward sainthood. A second miracle would be needed for canonization.
Stefania Falasca, vice postulator of Pope John Paul’s sainthood cause, said one “presumed extraordinary healing” had already been investigated by a diocese and a second possibility is being studied, but the Vatican does not begin its investigations until a sainthood candidate is declared venerable.
Although his was one of the shortest papacies in history, Pope John Paul left a lasting impression on the church that fondly remembers him as “the smiling pope.”
“He smiled for only 33 days,” read the front page of the Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera, while the Catholic Telegraph of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati reported: “Saddened church seeking another Pope John Paul.”
The surprise of his death after just over a month in office opened a floodgate of rumors and conspiracy theories, running the gamut from murder to culpable neglect. The Vatican doctor insisted then, as the Vatican continues to insist, that Pope John Paul died of a heart attack. Catholic Herald.
Sainthood and canonization is one of the dirtiest doctrines in the Catholic church as it bestows to a mere human the powers to declare someone a Saint. The bible recognizes a saint as any person living or dead whose life is lived/was lived in Christ. Read Of all Catholic rituals, canonisation is nonsense
The Catholic Church adds another condition for Sainthood, that there be a miracle attributed to the dead person’s intercession. In other words, someone has to come out to say that by praying through that person, their prayers were answered.
The doctrine supposes that a dead person can actually intercede on behalf of the living, a doctrine that God hates as it brings spiritualism into the church. Read here What happens when people die? | State of the Dead
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