
Though he is not yet a saint.. he is one step closer in the tedious examination process that makes one a saint. Part of the reason for the quickness of this process so far is that many of the people in charge of examining the life of John Paul II in the Vatican offices knew the man well and can attest first hand to his holiness.
What is a Saint anyway? Why are saints important? My unofficial and personal answer is that a saint is someone who is still used to do Christ's will even after their deaths. Our Lord has always used others as vehicles to deliver His messages and graces to man kind (such as the angels in scripture) - and still makes use of individuals whom He uses as example to others of holiness and Christian charity/love.
"We love you, John Paul II!"