_WORLD WATCH______________________________
________________Italy_______________
Canonization near for Padre
Pio?
Miracle reportedly approved
The Holy See will soon recognize the validity of a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed
Padre Pio, thereby clearing the way for the canonization of the Italian stigmatist, according to a magazine story. The Italian monthly
Famiglia Cristiana reported that the canonization of the Capuchin monk, could take place early in 2002.
The miracle involves a 7-year-old Italian boy who was stricken with acute meningitis in January of last year, and rushed to the hospital founded by Padre Pio himself at San Giovanni Rotondo. Doctors described the boy’s condition as hopeless, but after his mother organized a prayer vigil in Padre Pio’s old monastery cell, the boy’s condition inexplicably improved until he made a complete recovery. Matthew, the young boy who is the focus of the case, reports that while he was in a coma, Padre Pio appeared to him, saying, “Don’t worry; you will get better.”
Blessed Padre Pio, who died in 1968, gained a worldwide reputation for his sanctity, his dedication as a confessor, and his numerous miracles.
Cardinal Martini plans resignation
Hopes to move to Jerusalem
Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini has indicated that he wishes to retire next year, and spend his remaining days in prayer and study in Jerusalem.
Cardinal Martini will reach the age of 75 in February 2002. In a 38-page pastoral letter to the Catholics of Milan, he wrote that he would submit his resignation at that time, in accordance with Church policy. He added that he hoped the resignation would be accepted, so that—after 21 years in Milan—he could realize his ambition to move to Jerusalem.
In his pastoral letter the cardinal assessed his leadership of the Church in Milan. He said that he was pleased with the dialogue he had been able to conduct with other religions and with non-believers. But he was not satisfied with his response to political corruption. “I ask myself whether I could have done more,” he wrote.
In the past Cardinal Martini, a Jesuit and Scripture scholar, had often been mentioned as a leader of the more liberal element in the Catholic hierarchy, and a potential successor to Pope John Paul II.
Back to Catholic World Report October 2001 Table of Contents