On road to sainthood, John Paul II's death marked Monday

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2007

VATICAN CITY (AFP) — Pope Benedict XVI celebrates a mass Monday to mark the second anniversary of the death of John Paul II, on the same day the late pontiff is set to move a step closer to sainthood.

A solemn midday (1000 GMT) ceremony at Rome's Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano will mark the completion of the first stage towards the beatification of the charismatic Polish pope.

John Paul II's candidacy for beatification has enjoyed fast-track treatment since his successor waived the usual five-year waiting period, allowing the process to begin in May 2005, the month after he died.

A "diocesan inquiry on the life, virtues and reputation for saintliness of God's servant Karol Wojtyla" -- the late pope's name -- will be concluded on Monday.

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