Giorgio Lise, vice-postulator for the beatification of Albino Luciani, Pope John Paul I, has announced that the diocesan phase of gathering the information required for the process of beatification should be finished by 11 November 2006.

Over the years there has been much speculation over the early and sudden death of John Paul I, with credit being given to the theory that he was victim of the P2 masonic organization, concerned at the popes determination to rid the Vaticans financial institution, IOR, of its shadowy head, Cardinal Paul Marcinkus. However, according to Edoardo Luciani, the popes brother, John Paul I was aware of his own imminent death following his interpretation of a prophecy of Suor Lucia of Fatima.

The announcement does not indicate how long the overall process may go on for and can be taken as an indication on the part of the Vatican that is not going to be rushed into a fast-track beatification of Pope John Paul II, although that too is under way.