PART 17: Antichrists revealed – Delibrate rebellion of the antichrist towards Christ

On 24 April 2014, it was reported in the Italian magazine Credere that the late pope could possibly be beatified on 19 October 2014. This report further stated that cardinals and bishops of the congregation would meet on 5 May to confirm the miracle that had previously been approved, and then present it to the pope who may sign the decree for beatification after that.[12]

In an audience on 9 May 2014 with the Cardinal Prefect for the Congregation of the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis approved the decree of recognition of the miracle attributed to the late pope, and set the date of the beatification at the Vatican for 19 October 2014.[13]

Beatification

The beatification for Paul VI was held on 19 October 2014 at the Vatican, with the deceased pontiff receiving the title “Blessed”. The next step would be the recognition of another miracle, which would result in his canonization.

There were several dignitaries present at the beatification ceremony as representatives of their countries.

The relics presented during the beatification rites are two blood-stained vests worn by Paul VI during the attempt on his life in the capital of the Philippines, Manila in 1970. The one habitually kept in his hometown will be brought to Rome in a reliquary for the beatification.[17]

His tomb underneath Saint Peter’s Basilica was modified the week of the beatification with the inscription “BEATVS” (“Blessed”) added before his name.

Canonization

It had been speculated in 2014 that Pope Francis might have canonized Paul VI, as early as June 2015, with the process of “equipollent canonization” which he had used in the past. If this was not used, then a miracle would have been required for the canonization.[18]

The second miracle required for his canonization was reported to have occurred in January 2015. As of August 2015, investigation into the reported miracle is underway in northern Italy, where the healing was said to have occurred. Back in January 2015, Antonio Lanzoni thought the canonization might occur in the first half of 2016, but as of October 2016 it has not happened.[20][21][better source needed]