Pope John Paul II closer to death after Pope Benedict XVI issued decree recognizing late pontiff 's ` ` heroic virtues '' A miracle attributed to Pope John Paul 's intervention will have to be verified for him to be declared `` blessed , '' or beatified . Two confirmed miracles must be attributed to John Paul before he becomes saint . Usually , process begins five years after death , Benedict OKs early miracle for John Paul .
Pope John Paul II closer to death after Pope Benedict XVI issued 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 miracle for John Paul .