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Opus Dei were founded by Catholic priest, Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer on October 2, 1928, and its members around the world practice a highly traditional and disciplined approach to
Catholicism. The phrase 'opus dei' translates in Latin to 'work of God' and highlights the group's attitude to faith. In both popular culture and Vatican politics,
the group has been depicted as representing the fringe of the Catholic Church, partly due to its ritual of corporal mortification. Corporal mortification involves "self denial" or
voluntary pain inflicted upon oneself, a spiritual discipline that has been long practiced by the group. However the ritual has been practiced by non-members of Opus Dei, as well as famous
figures such as Mother Teresa. Opus Dei enjoyed a rise in prominence during the tenure of Pope John Paul II who made the organisation a personal prelature, handing pastoral duties to the
group. But as seen in the 2006 documentary 'Opus Dei Unveiled', this special relationship between the group and Pope John Paul II has made some in the Catholic community suspicious
as to how it is attaining influence. The Polish pope, whose tenure lasted from 1978 to 2005, granted Opus Dei a special seal of approval – establishing the institution as the church's
only personal prelature. Critic of the decision Father James Martin S.J, said in the documentary: "As the only personal prelature it elevates Opus Dei over all the other lay
organisations and lay institutes in the church and I think one of the big questions is why is that needed?" Opus Dei would continue to benefit from its strong bond with Pope John Paul
II, as in 2002 its founder was granted canonisation, marking Saint Josemaria Escriva's rise along with his group. READ MORE: POPE FRANCIS UNDER FIRE: VATICAN LEADER ADDRESSES CORRUPTION
FURORE Part of the long process of making somebody a saint is testimony from those who have worked with the figure in line for the honour, including from people who are critical. Mr
Woodward alleges in the documentary that for Saint Escriva's proces, only one of eleven willing critics were allowed to speak, which would therefore "violate the objectivity"
of the tribunal. Mr Allen argues that Saint Escriva was granted the sainthood so quickly because of John Paul II's support and devotion. In his 2005 book 'Opus Dei', Mr Allen
says: "The most defensible conclusion seems to be that Opus Dei may have played hard and fast, but they played by the rules."