at Catholic News Service
After finishing his speech to a group of priests, Pope Benedict XVI read a special announcement in Latin before taking questions and comments from his audience:
He (Benedict XVI) then read, in Latin, a letter from Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, to Cardinal Camillo Ruini, papal vicar of Rome.
The letter said that at an April 28 audience, Pope Benedict, "considering the special circumstances that were explained," had decided "to dispense from the five-year period of waiting after the death of the servant of God, Pope John Paul II. ..."
Pope Benedict had to wait several minutes to finish the sentence -- saying he was authorizing the immediate opening of the "cause for beatification and canonization" -- because the priests broke into a loud and sustained standing ovation.
When they quieted, he said, "I see you all understand Latin very well." The comment brought more applause.
The Holy Father has a great sense of humor.
I think it is great that they are setting aside the five year wait. However, I do think that as the article spells out, it is a long process and absolutely no short cuts should be made on behalf of the late Holy Father. I don't see the Congregation for the Causes of Saints or Benedict XVI allowing it anyway, but a definite effort should be made to make sure the process is rigorous and thorough.
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