[Land of the Irish]

Pope John Paul II is reported to be considering a proposal to abolish miracles as a requirement for sainthood.

Sad ping.

[Loyalist]

What may appear to be a life of heroic virtue in men's eyes, may be anything but in the sight of God.

Miracles give proof of saints' intercession with God, and therefore their heroic virtue in the sight of God.

Remove this proof, and how will we know with certainty of their sainthood?

What if we raise prayers, devotions and altars to one called saint, thought by men to be holy, but known by God to be evil?

Moreover, even a pagan may live a life of heroic virtue. Can a pagan be a canonized saint, if heroic virtue is all that sainthood is a recognition of?

[ultima ratio]

Translation: we no longer believe in miracles. Further translation: we no longer have the faith. The problem is the Holy See itself, not the process.

[mtbopfuyn]

How would one prove a miracle now days?

[keithtoo]

Sure, why not? Lower the bar. Let's get rid of the requirement to be a Catholic, or a Christian, or even to believe in God.

How about making people with nice smiles saints.....all of them.

That'd be nice.

[marshmallow]

Interesting in light of this:

Why Miracles Are Required For Canonizations

Article originally published in that Catholic bastion "The Times" of London, 12 days ago Saint-making Pope is Ready to Ditch the Miracle Clause.

[Arguss]

First Devil's Advocate, now Miracles. The Church has tied the hands of God to decide who will be a Saint.

I don't think the Church doubts that God can deliver miracles to create His Saints, but rather that He will.

To avoid appearances of impropriety, if the decision is made it should be held for 100 years before taking effect. That way it won't look as if the Pontiff is paving his own way.

[freedumb2003]

OOOh OOh Sanctify me!!