John Paul II on fast track to sainthood.

(From Belfast Telegraph)

POPE Benedict XVI said yesterday he had authorised the start of the possible sainthood process for Pope John Paul II, overriding the usual five-year waiting period following the death of a candidate before beatification procedures can begin.

Benedict made the announcement in Latin during a meeting at the Basilica of St John Lateran with the Roman clergy. Today is the anniversary of an 1981 assassination attempt on John Paul in St Peter's Square at the hands of a Turkish gunman.

The announcement opens the way for the possible beatification and canonisation of John Paul, following an investigation into the late pope's life and …