Vatican – Historic Papal Canonization: John Paul II and John XXIII canonized as saints
April 27, 2014
Reporting from Vatican City —Pope Francis proclaimed sainthood Sunday for two former pontiffs, John Paul II and John XXIII, marking the first time in the church’s long history that two ex-popes have been canonized at the same time.Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and visitors crammed into St. Peter’s Square and nearby streets for the solemn ceremony, which was followed by a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis.
Adding to the uniqueness of the event was the presence of an ex-pope, Benedict XVI, Francis’ predecessor, who stepped down last year in a rare example of a pope retiring. Also in attendance, the Vatican said, were some 150 cardinals, 700 bishops, 24 heads of state and 93 official delegations.