Pope John Paul II could become saint later this year

Pope John Paul II could be named a saint in October, eight years after his death, following the recognition by Vatican doctors of a miracle attributed to the late pontiff, Italian media has reported.

The Polish pope was beatified in 2011 – the first step towards sainthood – after a French nun was reportedly cured of Parkinson's Disease after prayers on her behalf were said to him. 

To be canonised, a second miracle must be attributed to the John Paul, and the Italian Catholic magazine Credere claimed that a panel of seven medical experts at the Vatican has approved a case after studying the medical files and listening to witnesses.

The miracle reportedly involved an as yet unnamed woman, according to Italian media, citing Vatican sources, and occurred on the day John Paul was beatified.

A Vatican spokesman declined to comment on the work of the panel, which is led by Patrizio Polisca, the personal physician to Pope Francis.

Although the case for canonisation of John Paul must now receive approval from Vatican cardinals, theologians and the Pope, the medical approval of the miracle is considered the toughest hurdle, and Italian media speculated on Tuesday that John Paul could be made a saint on October 20.

The pope's rapid path to sainthood was helped by his successor, Pope Benedict, who waived the usual five year waiting period before a person can considered for beatification after they die. 

Separately, a Vatican official said on Monday that sainthood was one step closer for Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, who was murdered while celebrating mass in 1980 after denouncing state violence and defending the poor.

Romero's case was overlooked by the Vatican for years, thanks in part to suspicions in the Curia about Liberation Theology, the branch of Catholicism which promotes social justice.

But Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia, said the process had been "unblocked," after he met with Argentine Pope Francis on Saturday.