Vatican City, 1 April (AKI) - Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday prayed for the beatification of the late Pope John Paul II, ahead of the fourth anniversary of his death on Thursday. "Tomorrow is the fourth anniversary of the death of the servant of God," said Benedict, addressing a group of Polish pilgrims at Saint Peter's Square.

"May the spiritual legacy of your great compatriot inspire your personal, family, social and national life. Together with you I pray for the gift of beatification."

Large numbers of Polish pilgrims are expected to arrive in Rome on Thursday.

John Paul II's beatification Paul II was put on the 'fast track', when Benedict waived the usual five year waiting period in May 2005.

But Monsignor Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints said John Paul II was was not on the list of upcoming cases.

"We cannot predict a precise schedule...all the stages, including the examination of the miracle, have to be conducted in a particularly thorough way," said Amato.

"Because it is the case of such a well known and loved pope, the fluency of the case merits a thorough methodological and content-driven approach, in light of the foreseen procedures. Fluency does not mean rush or superficiality. On the contrary, it implies promptness and professionalism."

Pope John Paul II (photo) died on 2 April 2005. The issue of beatification for John Paul II was put on the 'fast track', when Benedict waived the usual five year waiting period in May 2005.