A regular meeting of the commission formed by Bishops and Cardinals has been scheduled for June 17.
The regular meeting of Bishops and Cardinals to initiate this stage of analysis and discussion regarding the life, heroic virtues, and reputation for holiness of the Servant of God Deacon João Luiz Pozzobon has been scheduled, in principle, for June 17. At the end of this phase, after all the studies are completed, and if the opinion is favorable, the process may be forwarded to Pope Leo XIV.
“This marks the beginning of a new phase, very important for the Cause, following the Church’s criteria and timing, which conducts the process with prudence and discernment,” says the vice-postulator of the cause of beatification, Father Vitor Hugo Possetti (ISch).
The Archbishop of Santa Maria, Dom Leomar Brustolin, also expressed enthusiasm for the progress of the cause:
“We received with great joy and hope the positive opinion of the Theological Commission of the Holy See on the life and impact of João Luiz Pozzobon. Now, we await with faith the deliberation of the cardinals and bishops of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, which will determine the next steps of the process,” said Dom Leomar.
In this context, Father Vitor asks that prayers be intensified and clarifies that this meeting is not the final stage of the cause and that it may take time for all studies to be completed, with no set deadline for this phase.
“That is why, with much joy and serenity, we invite everyone to join us in prayer so that the Holy Spirit may guide and enlighten the work of the members of the Dicastery in this new stage.”
A much-awaited date
On March 4, the beatification cause received a favorable opinion from the commission of theologians who analyzed the process throughout February. Since that date, the devotees of the Servant of God have been awaiting the scheduling of the bishops’ and cardinals’ meeting that will review the process at this next level.
If the process moves forward after this stage, Pope Leo XIV will have the final word on the heroic virtues. If he confirms the previous opinions, he may authorize the decree recognizing the heroic nature of the virtues and declare the Servant of God “Venerable.”
Meanwhile, the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints is also reviewing a possible miracle attributed to Pozzobon’s intercession. This process began in February and is currently in a preliminary stage before being examined by experts.
Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías
