Q&A: John Paul II's beatification

The Vatican has hosted its biggest event in years - the beatification of the late Pope John Paul II.

The globe-trotting Pope credited with contributing to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe was blessed in St Peter's Square on Sunday 1 May.

Here the BBC's Rome correspondent, David Willey, answers questions about one of the most important events of Pope Benedict XVI's papacy.

What does beatifying John Paul II actually mean?

How does the Vatican justify beatifying the late Pope?

Do we only have the Vatican's word for the miracle?

Could John Paul II be declared a saint?

What does his beatification involve?