Pope Francis to canonize two popes

The Vatican has already set the canonization of two popes—Blessed John Paul II and Blessed John XXIII next year.

In a report posted at zenit.org, the Vatican said the two popes will be canonized in a ceremony to be held at the St. Peter’s Square in Vatican, Rome on April 27, 2014.
Pope Francis paved the way for the canonization of his predecessor Pope John XXIII last July 5, 2013, by passing the traditionally required second miracle since he based the merits on the pope’s opening of the Second Vatican Council.

Pope John XXIII was instrumental in having the Second Vatican Council last October 11, 1962 during his pontificate. But he was not able to witness its completion because he died on June 3, 1963 due to stomach cancer. He served the papacy for four-and-a-half years.

Pope John XXIII was beatified on September 3, 2000 by Pope John Paul II.
Considered as one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century, Blessed John Paul II was considered the second longest-serving pope in history and the first non-Italian since Pope Adrian VI, who died in 1523.

The most travelled pope, John Paul II visited 129 countries during his pontificate, beatified 1,340 people and canonized 483 saints.

His papacy ended when he died on April 2, 2005.
The pope’s successor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI beatified John Paul II wherein the first miracle attributed to him is the cure of a French nun who suffered from an irreversible and advanced form of Parkinson’s disease.

The second miracle that approved his cause for canonization is the healing of a Costa Rican woman who suffered from brain aneurysm.

When Pope Francis returned from his trip to Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day 2013, he said the canonization will be on the Divine Mercy Sunday as possible date for the canonization of his predecessors.
He stated the idea of having the canonization on April will be a good season since doing the canonization on a winter will make it difficult for pilgrims with limited resources to attend, adding that hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, particularly from Poland are expected to attend the canonization.
According to Yahoonews, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will join Pope Francis during the Mass for the canonization rites for Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II.