The official who will play "devil's advocate" in Pope John Paul II's beatification process, which officially opens Tuesday, promised to be objective as he investigates doubts about the late pontiff's saintliness - but hinted he supports the cause.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Monday, the Rev. Giuseppe D'Alonzo, promoter of justice for the Diocese of Rome, said he was neither for nor against beatification for the late pope, who was considered a saint by many even before his April 2 death.
Once the cause officially opens, two theological experts will begin gathering all John Paul's published works from before he was pope to determine if they are theologically sound.
Meanwhile, a historical commission will gather all his non-published works, including letters, manuscripts and personal notes he wrote, to document his life. They also will gather things written about him _ both in favor and against.
Once all the material is gathered, the Diocese of Rome turns the case over to the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which appoints other theological and religious commissions to study the case and make a final report to the pope, who must decide if John Paul has lived in a "heroic" way.
If the Vatican then confirms a miracle has occurred after John Paul's death thanks to his intercession, he can be beatified. A second miracle is needed for him to be made a saint.
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