Rome , Italy ( CNN ) -- Pope John Paul II was a step closer to sainthood Saturday after Pope Benedict XVI signed a decree recognizing the late pontiff 's `` heroic virtues '' and declaring him `` venerable , '' the Vatican said . A miracle attributed to Pope John Paul 's intervention will have to be verified for him to be declared `` blessed , '' or beatified . A second miracle would have to be confirmed for him to then be officially canonized , or made a saint . It 's too early to say how long that process may take , said Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi . `` It is recognized that he led a Christian life in a heroic and extraordinary manner , '' Lombardi told CNN . `` This is a fundamental step in the road toward sainthood . Now comes the examination of a miracle , which is the proof of the divine interceding power of John Paul II on behalf of God . '' John Paul II died on April 2 , 2005 , at the age of 84 . Several months after his death , his successor said he had dispensed with rules that normally impose a five-year waiting period before beatification . The rule is intended to allow time for evidence and witnesses supporting the sainthood cause to be prepared , as well as to wait for emotions to dissipate after death . But John Paul himself set a precedent in 1999 when he granted a dispensation and let Mother Teresa 's sainthood cause begin only two years after her death . `` It 's a joy , I think , for the Catholic church because Pope John Paul II is very admired and loved by so many people , not only in the church but also in the world , '' Lombardi told CNN . `` It is good news for us all . '' Pope Benedict signed another decree Saturday declaring Pope Pius XII , who died in 1958 , venerable , the Vatican said . `` The cause for sainthood for Pius XII was introduced a long time ago , '' Lombardi said . `` Today 's decree is not a historical judgment on Pius XII or on his papacy . It is a judgment that the church gives on Pius XII 's personal sanctity , on his Christian life achievements . The congregation and the pope have no doubts that Pius XII led a Christian life in an extraordinary and heroic way . '' CNN 's Hada Messia contributed to this report .
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 .