Pope Benedict XVI closer to sainthood after Pope John Paul II signs decree recognizing late pontiff 's Today 's decree is not a historical judgment on Pius XII Two confirmed miracles must be attributed to John Paul II before he becomes saint . Usually , process begins Saturday after death , Benedict OKs early start for John Paul .
Pope John Paul II closer to sainthood after Pope Benedict XVI signs decree recognizing late pontiff 's `` heroic virtues '' Two confirmed miracles must be attributed to John Paul before he becomes saint . Usually , process begins five years after death , Benedict OKs early start for John Paul .