John Paul II: subito santo?

BLESSED Pope John Paul II could be canonised by October this year, reports in the Italian press suggest. Canonisation requires the verification of at least two miracles performed through intercession after a potential saint's death. The Vatican has already recognised the healing of a French nun from Parkinson's disease. The second miracle is said to have occurred in 2011, on the night of his beatification. This month, a statue (right) of the late pope was unveiled in Czestochowa, Poland. The 45-foot-high fibreglass figure was funded by a businessman, Leszek Lyson.

Dr Croft discusses global hunger with Clegg

THE Bishop of Sheffield, Dr Steven Croft, met the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, last Friday, to discuss the "IF" campaign against world hunger (News, 25 January). Bishop Croft said afterwards that they discussed the "two key areas" of aid and tax reform, and he was "very impressed" by Mr Clegg's "personal and political commitment".

Canon Kovoor to leave Trinity College, Bristol

THE Principal of Trinity College, Bristol, Canon George Iype Kovoor, is to stand down at the end of the summer term, after eight years in post, it was announced on Thursday of last week. A statement issued by the college's trustees expressed gratitude for his legacy, "which includes a renewed missional spirituality, an innovative entrepreneurial ethos, and a commitment to the world Church and to world-class academic research and practice".

Bishop Holtam takes on Deaf and Disabled ministry

THE Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, has been appointed as chairman of the C of E's Committee for Ministry of and among Deaf and Disabled People (CMDDP). The CMDDP's remit is "to encourage and strengthen the participation of deaf and disabled people in the witness of the Church", a statement from Church House said. Bishop Holtam said: "It is important that the Church not only preaches this message, but acts upon it."

Father calls for action on weight-loss drug

THE parents of a medical student who died last September, after taking the drug DNP, which is marketed as a weight-loss aid, are calling for "better control" of it. Sarah Houston had been ordering DNP online, although the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency says that it is "not suitable for human consumption". Her father, Geoff Houston, a churchwarden from Chesham, Buckinghamshire, said: "We do not want any other family to go through what we have gone through."

Symes to succeed Sugden at Anglican Mainstream

THE Revd Andrew Symes, Priest-in-Charge of Kings Heath, Northampton, has been appointed executive secretary of the conservative organisation Anglican Mainstream. Mr Symes, who is 47, will take up the post on 1 August, and will succeed Canon Chris Sugden, who retires in July. A statement said that Canon Sugden would "act as a consultant to Anglican Mainstream".