Polish physician puts evidence of sainthood for John Paul II into doubt

It took just one sentence from a Polish professor of medicine, Grzegorz Opala, to cast doubt on the validity of the miracle which could lead to the beatification of John Paul II. So, in Rome, as in Poland, many believe that the Polish pope may not be beatified until 2011.

Even if the validity of the miracle is "absolutely without foundation," Vatican sources said on March 4 that the process of beatifying John Paul II is irreversible. The miraculous cure of a 48-year-old French nun suffering from Parkinson's disease - the same malady which afflicted the Polish pope - is being attributed to John Paul II. The nun, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, who once worked in a maternity hospital in Paris, is now "doing well," according to those close to her. A miracle is needed in order to further advance the cause of declaring John Paul II a saint, according to Catholic Christian tradition.

Dr. Opala, a neurologist who is not a part of the seven-member team of medical examiners commissioned by the Vatican, has reiterated that Parkinson's is not a curable disease. However, the Polish physician said that other diseases mimic Parkinson's and are indeed curable.

Two members of the Vatican medical commission looking into medical marvels attributed to the deceased pontiff are preparing to release a report to the other members of the commission before Easter 2010. The seven-member team will meet soon to discuss the matter but is sworn to secrecy.

At this meeting, which could take place after Easter, further opinion may be sought. The Vatican regularly seeks the views of internationally recognized medical authorities in the matter in question before finding a "cure unexplained by the current state of science."

At this point in the proceedings, the "miracle" is not yet known. The medical board then sends the file to another committee of theologians. They are only entitled to respond, according to a strict set of criteria to two questions: was there a miracle? Is it due to the intercession of the person who could be beatified?

These medical and theological findings are then forwarded to a committee of cardinals for reexamination. Finally, they present the findings to the pope, who tends to go along with the opinion of the cardinals. At the moment, there is no indication that the case of Sister Marie Simon-Pierre will be rejected. The decision now rests with the Vatican commission of seven physicians.