"Pope John Paul II is not my favourite Pope by far...Speaking as a "traditionalist" Catholic that is. However, it is not for me to decide who gets canonized or not. I will post later some reasons why I am not a fan of Pope John Paul "the Great" as some over zealous Catholics call him already..."
Rome, Italy (CNN) -- Pope Benedict XVI is expected to sign a decree on Saturday that will put his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, a step closer to sainthood.
The Diocese of Rome's press office said Friday that the pontiff is expected to approve the "heroic virtues" of John Paul II and then declare him "venerable."
A miracle attributed to his intervention will have to be verified for the late pope to be declared "blessed," or beatified.
A second miracle would have to be confirmed for him to then be officially canonized, or made a saint.
John Paul II died on April 2, 2005, at age 84. Several months after his death, his successor said he had dispensed with rules that normally impose a five-year waiting period before beatification.
The rule is intended to allow time for evidence and witnesses supporting the sainthood cause to be prepared, as well as to wait for emotions to dissipate after death.
But John Paul himself set a precedent in 1999 when he granted a dispensation and let Mother Teresa's sainthood cause begin two years after her death.
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