July 20, 2012. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI could be the first pope to beatify three of his predecessors. The process of beatification is being examined for both John Paul I and Paul VI. In charge of reviewing these cases is Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.



Card. José Saraiva Martins
Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
“The cause for the beatification of Paul VI is going very well, the case is being advanced and we only need to study it. On John Paul I, the process of beatification is also going very well.”

According to Cardinal Martins, they have received many claims by people who say they received an intercession on behalf of these popes. However, it's still very early in the process for a miracle to be confirmed. Many of them are currently being studied by experts in medicine and theology.

Cardinal Martins was personally acquainted with both of these popes, who are now candidates for sainthood.

Card. José Saraiva Martins
Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
“For me, the main characteristic of Paul VI was his great fidelity to the Church, and the courage to manage the Council, which was not easy.”

It was actually Cardinal Martins who opened the case of beatification for John Paul I in his hometown of Canale d'Agordo in November of 2003. He recently returned to the village to celebrate the anniversary of the pope.

Card. José Saraiva Martins
Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
“Two weeks ago I was in Canale d'Agordo, the birthplace of John Paul I, because they celebrated the 100th anniversary of his birth.”

It's still too early to talk about a specific date for beatification, but it could possibly take place during the Year of Faith, which will by celebrated the same time as the 50th anniversary of Vatican II, for which both of these popes were present.

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