Despite reports the beatification of Pope John Paul II may be delayed because the "miracle French nun" has fallen ill again, sources in Rome speculate the much loved and admired late pope could be beatified as early as 24 October this year. That would be the week following the canonisation of Mary MacKillop.
John Paul II was on the path to sainthood just one month after his death in April 2005.
The Catholic Church normally waits five years after a potential candidate's death before starting the process but an exception was made in the case of the Polish pontiff who was Pope for 26 years,
News of the miracle that was to be investigated for his beatification emerged three years ago when the French nun, Marie Simon-Pierre, said her Parkinson's symptoms vanished in 2005.
After prayers she made to the then recently deceased John Paul, who also suffered from the condition, and after her whole order prayed on her behalf, who woke up the following day without any symptoms whatsoever.
A week ago a newspaper report suggests her Parkinson's-like symptoms have returned suggested her original condition may instead have been another neurological illness with similar symptoms that can go into temporary remission.
However the whole beatification and canonisation process in which leading medical experts advise the Vatican, is carried out in complete secret.
And as there was no date set for the process or announcement, according to the Vatican, there is no delay.
If the French nun's case is problematic then investigators can put forward any one of the 271 other reported miracles attributed to John Paul II.
In the meantime sources in Rome believe 24 October is a possible date for the beatification which would draw many thousands of people from around the world who fondly remember JP11 and his long pontificate.
Pope Benedict XV1's calendar is already heavily committed which gives rise to some sources in Rome predicting the October date.
There are four foreign trips planned for the 82-year old pontiff and several canonisations and beatifications as well as a document on the Bible and the proposed English translation of the liturgical prayers from the Roman Missal and a mid-year gathering of the world's priests.
Pope Benedict will travel to Malta in April, Turin and Portugal in May and Cyprus in June. He will also close the Year for Priests in June, presiding over a worldwide congress of priests in Rome 9-11 June.
In September the Holy Father travels to the United Kingdom which will include the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, the influential theologian and former Anglican.
October brings canonisations set down for 17 October, including Mary MacKillop and, at some stage, a probable consistory to create new cardinals.
Given the limit of 120 cardinals under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave, Pope Benedict could have at least 12 vacancies to fill by June and 19 by November.
Pope Benedict has already bestowed the title "venerable" on John Paul II last December to path the way to his beatification.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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