I don't think it is a distraction. JP2's career involved deadly violence in support of imperialism (which is where Romero comes in), mass child rape and lethal misogyny. Francis does seem to be trying to reverse the damage, and sainting somebody murdered by American capitalism is a useful step on the way. The misogyny that has virtually turned the church into the incense-wielding wing of an anti-abortion campaign is the bit he's made least progress with, and maybe it'll be up to the next pope to deal with that.