Pope John Paul II is just one miracle away from becoming a saint, thanks to his successor Pope Benedict XVI.
All he needs is one more declared miracle. Then, voila, sainthood.
(More on TIME.com: A brief history of sainthood.)
Benedict announced Friday that John Paul miraculously cured Sister Marie Pierre Simon, a French nun, of Parkinson’s disease — the very disease that took his life.
At John Paul’s funeral believers in Saint Peter’s Square cried “santo subito,” meaning “sainthood now.”
(More on TIME.com: Read Pope John Paul II’s message on World Peace Day.)
Benedict honored their request, waving the traditional five-year waiting period for the beatification process to begin. The beatification is set for May 1. (via New York Times)