Groups Seek to Halt Pope John Paul II Canonization Process

A group of organizations in Mexico asked the Vatican to stop the canonization process of John Paul II until the United Nations concludes its investigation as to whether the late Pope had any part in the conspiracy to cover up for the priests that have been accused of pedophilia.

"We demand a stop to Pope John Paul's canonization process until it is clear if he had any responsibility in these cases," a statement published in the Ecclesiastical Observatory blog reads.

In early July, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints approved a second miracle which according to the church, happened through the intercession of John Paul II. The approval paves the way for him to become a saint.

The petition is signed by Catholics for a Free Choice, the Ecclesiastical Observatory, the former members of the Legonaries of Christ congregation Jose Barba Martin and Saul Barrales, investigator Fernando M. Gonzalez, former priest Alberto Athié and Jesus Alberto Romero, a victim of sexual abuse.

The UN, through its Committee For Children's Rights, has requested information on cases of sexual abuse of children from the Vatican. "The time has come for the highest authorities of the Vatican State to be held accountable to legitimate authorities grounded in international law," the statement continues.

The United Nations committee has asked the Vatican to explain the measures implemented to punish the priests who commited sexual abuse, why some of them were simply moved to another parish when the accusations were leveled at them and why the police wasn't alerted of the abuse.

The statement also says that they will ask the Committee on Children's Rights to pay special attention to the cases of sexual abuse by Mexicans priests that have not been addressed by civil and religious authorities. "In particular, we ask you to investigate Cardinal Norberto Rivera in regard to cases of Father Maciel, Father Nicolas Aguilar in Mexico and Father Carlos Lopez from Los Angeles, California."

One of the first things Pope Francis did in the Vatican was toughening laws against pedophilia by expressly prohibiting sexual or psychological abuse against children in that territory, as well as child prostitution and the creation or possession of child pornography.

Mexico had some of the most noted cases of sexual abuse by priests. One case in particular dealing with Father Marcial Maciel is one that has surronded Pope John Paul's legacy with controversy. Marcial Maciel was accused of sexual abuse from a number of different people and the accusers contend that he was never investigated due to his close relationship with John Paul II.