As reported yesterday, there’s the distinct possibility that Pope Benedict XVI may declare Pope John Paul II venerable tomorrow.
At least, that’s what is being reported by various Italian news organizations.
According to the Italian magazine Panorama, at a consistory on December 19, Pope Benedict will approve a series of decrees prepared by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, including one that attests to the “heroic virtue” of Pope John Paul II, giving him the title “venerable,” and requiring only one more approved miracle for his beatification.
Several miracles attributed to Pope John Paul II are already under investigation. Panorama suggested that the Vatican is discussing the possibility of John Paul II’s beatification as early as October 2010.