Gaeta's

One thing, at least, is clear from the unverified stories recounted in Gaeta's book: when John Paul is declared "blessed" this Sunday, the celebrations will extend far beyond the confines of St. Peter's Square.

Beatification prompts close look at Pope John Paul II's miracles. 2011

Petty officer Marissa Gaeta kisses her girlfriend, petty officer Citlalic Snell, after Gaeta's ship returned from 80 days at sea.

Two women kiss at US Navy ship return 2011

Among the other stories recounted in Gaeta's book is of a Pennsylvania schoolboy named Luke, who suffered an apparently disabling neck injury while playing lacrosse in June 2005.

Beatification prompts close look at Pope John Paul II's miracles. 2011

With the exception of the nun, Gaeta's book provides only the first names of the persons involved in the cases he cites.

Beatification prompts close look at Pope John Paul II's miracles. 2011

One thing, at least, is clear from the unverified stories recounted in Gaeta's book: when John Paul is declared "blessed" this Sunday, the celebrations will extend far beyond the confines of St. Peter's Square.

Beatification prompts close look at Pope John Paul II's miracles. 2011

With the exception of the nun, Gaeta's book provides only the first names of the persons involved in the cases he cites.

Beatification prompts close look at Pope John Paul II's miracles. 2011

Gaeta's book appears aimed at bolstering the credibility of the miracle officially attributed to John Paul, both by offering details of the nun's case, and by sampling reports of other possible miracles collected by the Rome office of the official advocate for John Paul's beatification.

Beatification prompts close look at Pope John Paul II's miracles. 2011

Below, and after the jump, a partial transcription of the longer conversation we had about the future of interactivity and "hybrid entertainment" -- and why Hollywood is, in Gaeta's words, "like a mule."

Boing Boing 2009

Gaeta's book appears aimed at bolstering the credibility of the miracle officially attributed to John Paul, both by offering details of the nun's case, and by sampling reports of other possible miracles collected by the Rome office of the official advocate for John Paul's beatification.

Beatification prompts close look at Pope John Paul II's miracles. 2011

Among the other stories recounted in Gaeta's book is of a Pennsylvania schoolboy named Luke, who suffered an apparently disabling neck injury while playing lacrosse in June 2005.

Beatification prompts close look at Pope John Paul II's miracles. 2011