January 12, 2011. The beatification of John Paul II is just one step away. The cardinals of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints have approved a miracle through the intercession of John Paul II. This is the necessary step before the Pope convenes the beatification.

Benedict XVI will meet in the coming days with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, for final approval of the miracle and the announcement date of the beatification.

The miracle is the instant and unexplainable healing of the French nun Marie Simon-Pierre, who suffered from a form of Parkinson's. The disease forced her to retire from her duties as a nurse in the maternity hospital of Arles, France. In June 2005, after praying to John Paul II for an improvement in her disease, the Parkinson's totally disappeared.