Reply #20: Next pope can decide fast-track halo for John Paul

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April 9, 2005 3:50 PM

Next pope can decide fast-track halo for John Paul

By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - "Santo Subito," the crowds shouted. "Make him a saint now!"

That demand, chanted and written on huge banners at Pope John Paul's funeral on Friday, willleave a quandary for his successor.

Sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church usually takes decades or even centuries to achieve.But for John Paul, the popular verdict is clearly in and the next pope has effectively been servednotice from the rank and file that he must act.

Church rules say the first step to sainthood, known as "opening a cause", cannot start until fiveyears after a death.

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