Beatification of John Paul II
Beatification is a specific act of the Church, which also has a profound social significance. Showing us a model of good life, the act teaches that goodness is one of the most important and recommendable values. A blessed or saint builds not only our relationship with God, but also the relationships between people themselves, contributing to the realization of ideals which, irrespective of religion, make us move closer to one another and remain so. Each religion has its heroes, the most outstanding heroes of Christianity being its saints and blessed. Through their lives, they demonstrated that a close relationship with God and His sacred will is possible and bears wonderful fruit of sainthood.

On 1 May 2011, at a ceremonious service in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI will pronounce the special beatification formula, whereby John Paul II will be granted the title of the Blessed. At the ceremony the relics placed on the altar and a painting with the image of the new Blessed will be unveiled and the Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God in the highest) hymn will be sung. After the hymn, the Holy Father will for the first time pronounce the prayer to God through the agency of John Paul II, which will now become one of the liturgical prayers of the Catholic Church. During the commemorative homily the most important virtues and merits of the Blessed will be highlighted.