Word came from the Vatican Friday that Pope Benedict the 16th has set May 1st for the late Pontiff's beatification.
That is a key step toward Catholicism's highest honor, that of sainthood, and it has never happened faster in the history of the church.
Beatification is possible because Benedict has signed off on the miracle involving French nun, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre.
A former Parkinson's disease sufferer, she said she was cured after praying to the late Pope.
Philadelphia Archbishop, Cardinal Justin Regali just returned from the Vatican on Friday.
"I'm thrilled, and it's also a validation for the wonderful things he did during his pontificate, the wonderful outreach to the world," said Cardinal Regali.
The beatification ceremony on May 1st will attract hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to the Vatican.
Reaction to the news of the beatification has been overwhelmingly positive.
"It's wonderful that we have somebody within our lifespan to look up to and possibly gain sainthood," Sr. Ruth Durfee.
Catholics are thrilled that John Paul, II is one step closer to becoming a saint.
"I think he was a great leader, a great pope and he loved especially the children, and I think he deserves to be a saint," said Peter Zangrilli.
Catholics say they loved John Paul, the Polish priest who rose to a tremendously powerful position but still had the common touch.
"He wasn't flashy. He didn't go around looking for admiration. He was just a very kind and gentle soul," said Sr. Maureen Malone.
Though he died in 2005, there are prayers still said to John Paul in churches, and his picture hangs in classrooms at catholic schools.
He's the pope who traveled the world visiting over 120 countries during his papacy.
"This great man, this great Pope for so long touched more lives. More people saw Pope John Paul than any other person in the history of the world," said Bishop David O'Connell.
The Bishop of Trenton met John Paul twice and wears a cross modeled after the one on the top of the staff John Paul carried.
"I think he broke down barriers, he spoke across gaps of religion, and he just spoke a message of love," said Vince McNeil.
"Whether they're Catholic, Muslims, or any kind of religion, he didn't care who they were. I'm so glad, I'm really glad," said Jose Johnson.
Normally there's a 5 year waiting period after death before the process of becoming a saint begins, but so beloved is the late pontiff, the church waived that.
After noon mass at St. Mary's cathedral in Trenton, one mother described her happiness that her children can share in the joy of John Paul, II moving closer to sainthood.
"Someone they remember seeing on television, someone they remember hearing speak, so they can relate to him a lot better as a saint and a real person to them, not just a historical figure," said Laura Durle.
