Pope John Paul II nears sainthood (20 images)

VATICAN CITY, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Pope Benedict XVI formally credited a miracle to his predecessor, paving the way for Pope John Paul II to be beatified May 1, the Vatican said Friday.

The Vatican said the late John Paul II miraculously cured a nun who reportedly had Parkinson's disease, the BBC reported.

Here is a look back at a few memorable moments with Pope John Paul II from the UPI News Picture Archives.

Pope John Paul II died at the age of 84 in his Vatican apartment on April 2, 2005. The Pope is seen here in this May 2, 1984 file photo speaking at a press conference with President Ronald Reagan in Anchorage, Alaska. (UPI Photo/Files)

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SLP99012611 - 26 JANUARY 1999 - ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, USA: President Bill Clinton (R), assists Pope John Paul II to the podium, as the two world leaders meet at the Missouri Air National Guard hanger at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, January 26. Pope John Paul is making a two-day stop in St. Louis. wy/bg/Jim Compton UPI

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SLP99012623 - 26 JANUARY 1999 - ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, USA: A member of the audience gathered to see Pope John Paul II at a youth rally receives the blessing of the Holy Father at the Kiel Center, January 26. bg/Mark Buckner UPI

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A cast of the hand of Pope John Paul II is on display as final preperations are made for the opening of "Vatican Splendors," at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis on May 14, 2010.The hand is just one piece of the 200 rare works of art and historically significant objects from the Vatican. St. Louis is one of only three U.S. cities to host this display which begins on May 15. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

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