Pope Francis Clears John Paul II, John XXIII for Sainthood

Oct. 22, 1978: Pope John Paul II blesses the faithful in St. Peter’s Square from a Vatican City balcony right after he was named Pontiff. A Vatican official says Pope John Paul II has cleared the final obstacle before being made a saint. A commission of cardinals and bishops reportedly met Tuesday, July 2, 2013 to consider the case and signed off on it, leaving only Pope Francis to approve it. A Vatican official confirmed that the decision had been taken some time back and that Tuesday’s meeting was essentially a formality. (AP)

DEVELOPING:  Pope Francis has cleared former Pope John Paul II for sainthood, approving a miracle attributed to his intercession.