Two Popes Canonize Two Popes

Thousands of people continue to fill St. Peter’s Square to witness the canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II on Sunday, April 27, 2014. Retired Pope Benedict XVI will assist current Pope Francis in the ceremony, marking the first time two pontiffs have been declared saints at the same time. It also marks the first time that a reigning and retired pope will be celebrating a public Mass together since Benedict XVI’s retirement was a highly unusual thing. He was the first Pope to voluntarily resign since the 13th century. It is even more unusual when you realize that Benedict XVI was John Paul II’s successor.

Pope John XIII was beloved during his short reign, a human rights activist and pioneer pope who brought the Catholic Church into more modern communication with Vatican II, permitting Catholic masses to be celebrated in local languages, instead of Latin; and encouraging Catholics to respect and make peace with people of all faiths. Pope John Paul II, one of the longest reigning popes ever, was the first Polish pope and first non-Italian pope in nearly 500 years. He traveled all over the world and helped bring down communism in Poland. Leaders and dignitaries of all faiths from more than 90 countries are expected to attend the canonizations to pay their respects to these two holy men.

While this may remain the most memorable ceremony of both Popes’ reign, it will mark the 46th and 47th canonizations for Benedict XVI. During his tenure, he canonized 45 saints, including the first Australian saint and the first Maltese saint. This will be Pope Francis’ 9th and 10th canonizations.