Works are underway in St Peter’s Basilica to make space for Pope John Paul II’s tomb following his expected beatification this year, the religious news agency imedia reported yesterday.

Preparations are being made in the Chapel of St. Sebastian, on the right-hand side of the nave, between the Chapel of Michelangelo’s Pieta and the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, the French agency said.

According to tradition, the remains of popes who are beatified are moved up from the crypt to the nave of the basilica, the agency added.

Italian media have reported Pope Benedict XVI is likely to sign a decree on Friday at the earliest authorising the beatification of the Polish Pontiff, who died aged 84 on April 2, 2005 after 27 years as Pope.

On Wednesday, the Congregation of the Causes for Saints approved John Paul’s first miracle, a key step on the path to beatification.

The commission confirmed that French nun Marie Simon-Pierre was miraculously cured of Parkinson’s disease through the intercession of the Polish Pope, who also suffered from Parkinson’s.

Italian media have suggested two possible dates for the beatification ceremony: Sunday April 3, the day after the sixth anniversary of John Paul’s death, and Sunday October 16, the day he was elected Pope.

The process of canonising John Paul kicked off immediately after his death. Banners waved in St Peter’s Square during his funeral in 2005 read “Santo Subito!” (Sainthood Now!)

Once the former Pontiff is beatified, one more miracle will be needed to achieve full sainthood.