Flickr/Todd Ehlers

According to CNN, “The Polish-born pope was fast-tracked to beatification and became "the blessed" John Paul II barely six years after his death, the fastest beatification in centuries.”

ALSO SEE: Pope John Paul II To Be Beatified Sunday 

The Polish pope was the most traveled pope in history and canonized the most saints. Additionally, he was the first modern pope to visit and synagogue and unites Catholics around the world. Additionally, he was the first pope ever to visit the country of Cuba. Although Pope John Paul II is revered as one of the most influential Popes of all time, his reign was plagued by the church’s sexual abuses cases that were revealed in the early 2000’s.

In order to become a saint in the Catholic Church, there are three steps that need to be proven after death. The first step in a new title “venerable,” which means that the current Pope must deem the person to have had “heroic virtues.” The second step is that two miracles must be attributed to the deceased person. 

In order for the miracles to be proven, the Vatican has both doctors and theologians analyze the events. According to Patrick Kelly, the Executive Director of the Blessed John Paul II Shrine, "A team of doctors first examine the miracle. Secondly, the team of theologians look at the miracles, and then they discuss amongst themselves the legitimacy and all the facts surrounding the miracles." 

In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI approved John Paul's first miracle when a French nun, Sister Marie-Simon-Pierre, was cured of Parkinson's disease. John Pau’s second miracle occurred in Costa Rica, where a woman recovered from a severe brain injury.

In addition to Pope John Paul II, Pope John XXIII, who held the 1960’s Vatican II council, will also be declared a saint.