Archbishop Georg Gänswein, apostolic nuncio to the Baltic states, now prays to the late Pope Benedict XVI for intercession and hopes his beatification cause opens soon. Gänswein spoke at an event in Vilnius, sharing reflections on his diplomatic mission, Christmas in Lithuania, and his collaboration with Joseph Ratzinger. He humorously noted the main difference between celebrating Christmas in Rome and Vilnius is the cold. The Archbishop praised the Lithuanian Christmas decorations, suggesting they might be more beautiful than those in St. Peter's Square. Gänswein observed a deep reverence in the Lithuanian celebration of Christ's birth, contrasting it with what he perceived as more superficial celebrations elsewhere.
about 2 months ago
Archbishop Georg Gänswein spoke at an event hosted by the Catholic magazine Kelionė at the Lithuanian National Library in Vilnius on January 7, 2026.1 2 3
The apostolic nuncio to the Baltic states shared reflections on his new role, Christmas celebrations, and his long service to Pope Benedict XVI.1 2 3
Gänswein revealed he now prays to Benedict XVI for intercession rather than for him.1 2 3
He described moments during his Baltic service when he sought the late pope's help, viewing it as a sign of spiritual closeness.1 2 3
Gänswein expressed personal hope that Benedict XVI's beatification cause will open soon.1 2 3
In a December 2025 K-TV interview, he voiced great expectations for the process, aired before a private audience with Pope Leo XIV.1 2 3
He emphasized the Church's prudence, requiring time to discern true holiness from fleeting fame.1 2 3
Gänswein traced his connection to Joseph Ratzinger from seminary days, studying his works as a professor.1 2 3
After ordination in 1984 and doctoral studies, he met Ratzinger in Rome at the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, becoming personal secretary in 2003.1 2 3
He called the collaboration a divine gift, forming not just intellect but heart and soul.1 2 3
Gänswein joked about the cold compared to 28 Rome Christmases, praising Vilnius trees as rivaling St. Peter's Square.1 2 3
He noted Lithuania's deep, reverent faith in Christmas, beyond superficial culture.1 2 3
His Baltic assignment felt like a reward for past service.1 2 3
Educator Vytautas Toleikis described "Walkers" group walks to meet inspiring people, broadening students' horizons.1 2 3
Singer Sasha Song shared his addiction recovery, leading to gratitude and renewed life appreciation.1 2 3
Toxicologist Prof. Robertas Badaras discussed evolving substance abuse from Soviet-era alcohol to modern drugs.1 2 3
Actress Justė Liaugaudė highlighted "Red Noses Clown Doctors" providing joy to ill patients, even in operating rooms.1 2 3
Investigate criteria for beatifying a former Pope
The process of beatification, a key step toward canonization, confirms that a deceased Catholic lived virtues to a heroic degree or offered their life in a manner exemplary of Christ, allowing limited public veneration as "Blessed." For former Popes, the criteria mirror those for any Servant of God, emphasizing reputation of holiness, proof of heroic virtues, a miracle attributed to their intercession, and rigorous scrutiny by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. No unique exemptions apply to Popes; instead, their causes often proceed with notable speed due to widespread devotion, as seen in recent papal beatifications.
Beatification begins when the Christian faithful, typically from the diocese of origin or a group with knowledge of the candidate's life, petition the local bishop to open a cause. This requires fama sanctitatis—a reputation of holiness in life, at death, and afterward—demonstrated through lived Christian virtues or martyrdom. For confessors like Popes (non-martyrs), the focus is on heroic virtue across theological and cardinal virtues.
The diocesan phase, called the "informative process," gathers witness testimonies, examines writings, and verifies no premature cult (de non cultu). Apostolic processes in Rome follow, with a postulator advancing the cause and the Promoter of the Faith raising objections. Petitions from bishops or notables underscore persistent devotion, vital since evanescent enthusiasm disqualifies a cause.
For Popes, whose lives are publicly documented, reputation often emerges immediately post-death, fueled by global witness. Pope Benedict XVI noted the "fragrance of sanctity" around John Paul II at his 2005 funeral, prompting swift action "with all due respect for canonical norms." Similarly, Paul VI's cause advanced amid acclaim for his exemplary life.
Central is constare de virtutibus—moral certainty of virtues exercised heroically. Positiones (reports) detail virtues, countered by the Promoter of the Faith. Consultors, theologians, and cardinals vote in stages: ante-preparatory, preparatory, and general congregations. Approval leads to a papal decree naming the Servant of God "Venerable."
Pope Paul VI stressed the Church's "complexity and rigor," demanding "incontrovertible testimonies" analyzed "with critical rigor and objectively historical method," verified negatively (no cult) and positively (miracles). Pope Francis highlighted "certain cases where a life is constantly offered for others, even until death," as with Blessed Maria Gabriella Sagheddu. For Popes, virtues shine in papal ministry: John Paul II's "strong, generous and apostolic faith" exemplified Petrine service.
A miracle, inexplicable by science and wrought through the candidate's intercession post-death, confirms divine approval. For beatification, one first-class miracle suffices if virtues are proven; medical consultors deem it inexplicable, theologians attribute it to intercession, and cardinals confirm.
John Paul II's beatification cited a healing judged "scientifically inexplicable" by medical consultors (Dec 2010), approved by theologians (Dec 14, 2010), and cardinals (Jan 11, 2011), enabling the May 1, 2011 rite. Paul VI's involved a 2013 healing inexplicable per modern medicine, ratified in 2014. Pope Francis's 2017 norms added "offer of life" as a path, requiring free acceptance of certain, untimely death propter caritatem, virtues beforehand, reputation post-death, and a miracle. No Pope has used this yet.
Beatification is papal but since 2005, often delegated to the Prefect of the Dicastery, held locally or in Rome during Eucharist. Popes preside canonizations. John Paul II beatified 1,338 and canonized 482, showing acceleration under his pontificate. His own beatification, by Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square on Divine Mercy Sunday, fulfilled "the longed-for day... pleasing to the Lord." Paul VI's occurred October 19, 2014, before the Vatican Basilica.
Historical rigor persists: Urban VIII's norms banned pre-beatification cult, now verified routinely. For "equivalent beatifications" (immemorial cult pre-1640), proof differs, but irrelevant for modern Popes.
Recent cases illustrate uniformity:
Pre-1983 norms (pre-John Paul II reforms) were lengthier; now streamlined yet prudent. Pope John Paul II emphasized consulting all involved before final decisions. No shortcuts for Popes; Benedict XVI waived five-year wait for John Paul II per "reasonable haste."
In summary, beatifying a former Pope demands the same evidentiary thresholds as any cause: holiness reputation, heroic virtues, one post-mortem miracle, and unassailable process under Dicastery oversight. Papal examples underscore fidelity to these, blending rigor with devotion's urgency, inviting the faithful to heroic imitation.