There was an outbreak of sainthood in sixteenth - century Italy in answer to the challenge of the Renaissance, and another in nineteenth - century France in answer to the challenge of the Revolution. (religion-online.org)
Before the change, gaining consideration for sainthood in the Catholic Church required martyrdom, living a life heroically of Christian virtues or having a strong reputation for religious devotion. (premierchristianity.com)
If the pope confirms it was a miracle, John Paul will be eligible to be beatified, the last step before sainthood. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)