VATICAN CITY, SEP 12, 1997 (VIS) –
Today the Holy See Press Office made public
the following note on canonical procedure for causes of beatification and canonization:
1.
Canon norms regarding the procedure to be followed for causes of saints
are
contained in the Apostolic Constitution 'Divinus Perfectionis Magister,'
promulgated
by John Paul II on January 25, 1983.
2.
To begin a cause it is necessary for at least 5 years to have passed
since the death of the candidate. This is to allow greater balance and
objectivity
in evaluating the case and to let the emotions of the moment
dissipate.
3.
The bishop of the diocese in which the person whose beatification
is
being requested died is responsible
for beginning the investigation.
The
promoter group: diocese, parish, religious congregation,
association,
asks the bishop through the postulator for the opening of the
investigation.
The
bishop, once the 'nulla osta (no impediment)' of the Holy See is obtained,
forms a diocesan tribunal for this
purpose.