The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, has welcomed Pope Benedict XVI's announcement this morning that he has opened the cause for the beatification of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II.

Pope Benedict made the announcement at the Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome, saying he has dispensed with Church rules that five years must lapse after a candidate's death before the procedure that leads to sainthood can start. Pope John Paul II similarly dispensed with that requirement in the case of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who was beatified in October 2003.

Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor said today:

'It is exceptional to start the process of beatification so soon. But John Paul II was an exceptional man and Pope Benedict has responded to the heartfelt wish of millions of us who hope to see formal recognition of what we know already in our hearts to be true. Pope John Paul was truly a holy man and Catholics wish this lengthy process to begin so that they can reflect on the significance of his life and faithful ministry in the service of God and his people.'