Mystery miracle clears John Paul II for sainthood

The Vatican has secretly attributed a mystery miracle to the late John Paul II, clearing the way for him to be declared a saint. The Holy See has yet to disclose what the miracle was or where and when it took place but Vatican sources said it would "amaze the world". It concerns the "extraordinary healing" of a Costa Rican woman who was cured of a severe brain injury after her family began praying to the memory of the late Polish pope, according to reports in the Italian media.

Details of the miracle are likely to be announced at the end of this month or at the beginning of July, a Vatican insider said. John Paul II was beatified - the first step towards sainthood - in May 2011.

The second miracle, which is required in order for him to be given full sainthood, reportedly occurred on the day of his beatification. It has been recognised by theologians from the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which is in charge of examining the "dossiers" of candidates for sainthood, and now has to be signed off by a commission of cardinals and bishops, which is expected to happen within the next few weeks. John Paul's first attributed miracle was the apparent healing of a French nun, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre. Her recovery from Parkinson's disease after praying for the late pope's "intercession" had no medical explanation, the Church says.

The Polish pontiff is likely to be formally made a saint in the autumn. The canonisation ceremony is likely to be attended by hundreds of thousands of Catholic faithful and will be presided over by Pope Francis, who was elected in March.