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Pope John Paul II may be canonized this year

Pope Benedict XVI kneels before the coffin of his predecessor Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican following his beatification on May 1, 2011. UPI/Stefano Spaziani
Pope Benedict XVI kneels before the coffin of his predecessor Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican following his beatification on May 1, 2011. UPI/Stefano Spaziani | License Photo

VATICAN CITY, July 2 (UPI) -- Pope John Paul II, who died in 2005 at the age of 84, may be canonized as soon as the end of this year, sources at the Vatican said Tuesday.

The sources told the Italian news agency ANSA a plenary meeting of cardinals and bishops of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints approved a second miracle by Pope John Paul II, clearing the way for his canonization.

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The miracle, one which Vatican sources said will "amaze the world," took place on May 1, 2011.

It involved the inexplicable recovery of a French nun from Parkinson's Disease that came about through the intervention of the Polish-born pontiff.

Last month, a board of theologians of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints gave its green light to the miracle.

Tuesday's approval by the cardinals and bishops leaves Pope Francis with the final decision.

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