The Holy Father promulgated today a decree attesting to the lives of heroic virtue of John Paul II and Pius XII. They and numerous others were named in the decree, and are moving forward toward canonization as saints of the Church.
It is my understanding that after this if a miracle can be attributed to their intercession, they will be declared “Blessed,” and if another miracle is discovered, they may be canonized saints.
I don’t think we can really dispute the lives of heroism both of these men displayed in their lives. A lot of controversy swirled around Pope Pius XII a few years ago about his efforts to save the Roman Jews from Nazi persecution, but it would seem with a fuller picture it is known Pius stood up to the Nazis in Rome and a considerable number of Jewish men, women and childred were saved.
John Paul also confronted communism worldwide and played a major role in its collapse.
Of course, as you might guess from my previous posts, I am left wondering when Pope John Paul the FIrst will be among those listed as having lived lives of heroic virtue.
Papa Luciani, pray for us.
