I have a very dumb question, and I want to make sure I mean no disrespect, but how does one “know” if it was the late Pope who interceded on this man’s behalf or not?
Through the intercessory prayers of this man to Pope John Paul II. This is perfectly scriptural. In 2 Macc. 15:12-16 – the high priest Onias and the prophet Jeremiah were deceased for centuries, and yet interact with the living Judas Maccabeas and pray for the holy people on earth.
It’s not a dumb question. I keep so many busy in heaven with intercessions that it would be impossible to know just who it was that cured me (interceded for me) if ever there was a cure. Unless, of course, “the cure” happened on the spot whilst asking prayers from a particular saint.