NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      ROME, 26 (NE) The cause of beatification of Pope John XXIII could finally end during year 2000 with his elevation to the altars. Doctors of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints have already recognized a healing, qualified as "scientifically unexplainable", attributed to the Pope's intercession. Such recognition is an important step in the process of beatification of Pope John XXIII.

      The miracle needed for the Pope's beatification took place in 1966, 33 years ago, when the Italian religious Caterina Capitani, superior mother of the Daughters of Charity (Sicily), was cured of peritonitis after receiving a relic of the Pope from her sisters of congregation.

      The healing has been qualified by the medical commission as "instantaneous, perfect and lasting". Now, the facts will be verified by a theological commission and later by members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The Holy Father will finally decide on the proposal, and, if approved, would issue the decree of beatification.

      Another necessary requisite is the issuing of the decree declaring the heroic virtues of the Pope. This decree is expected to be issued in the coming months, after which the Pontiff would be called "Venerable", a step prior to beatification.