Vatican Declares Popes John Paul II And John XXIII Saints

Nearly 100 foreign delegations are attending, including royal dignitaries and head of state and government.

It is the first time two popes have been canonized at the same time.

Pilgrims poured into Rome and special bus, train and boat services ferried many more into the city early on Sunday morning for the two hour ceremony.

Some had secured places to sleep overnight close to St. Peter’s Square, hoping to be among the first in when it opens to the public.

The Vatican confirmed on Saturday that 87 year old Benedict XVI, now officially titled Pope Emeritus, would make a rare public appearance alongside his successor.

Benedict XVI became the first pope to resign for 600 years when he quit for health reasons a year ago.

By canonising both John XXIII, the pope who set off the reform movement and John Paul II, the pope who applied the brakes, Francis has skillfully deflected any possible criticism that he could be taking sides.

By Angel Mboya

Source: BBC News