Pontiffs canonized in a huge crowd of people from different parts of the world by Pope Francis in Vatican on Sunday.
The St. Peter's Square in Vatican City has been filled with many people as they want to witness the remarkable ceremony in the history of the Catholic Church. The event wherein two pontiffs canonized on Sunday is history making since it is not just one but two former popes were proclaimed into sainthood. It was Pope Francis who proclaimed his predecessors John XXIII and John Paul II as saints.
Sunday's historical event where two former pontiffs canonized at the same time has gathered nearly hundred thousands of pilgrims. According to the CNN report, Vatican Radio noted the crowd to be around 800, 000. It was reported that people have occupied the entire St. Peter's Square including the roads and gardens around it.
In addition to the uniqueness of the historical event where two pontiffs canonized at the same time was the presence of the two living popes though Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was not present in the altar. It can be recalled that Pope Benedict XVI resigned from his papacy due to health-related reasons. Meanwhile, it was the reigning pope, Pope Francis who led the canonization mass wherein John Paul II and John XXIII were declared as saints.
The thick crowd of pilgrims waited for more than 12 hours just before the police opened the main street on 5:30 in the morning. According to Reuters, joining the big event were 850 cardinals and bishops while 700 priests were reported to be serving the huge crowd for communion.
During Pope Francis' homily, he described the two former popes as "men of courage". He paid tribute to their efforts in terms of strengthening the church. He also highlighted John XXIII's Second Vatican Council and recognized John Paul II's 27 years in service wherein he was seen as the 'pope of the family'.
Relics of the former pontiffs canonized on Sunday were also presented into the crowd of pilgrims. Saint John Paul II's relic was a vial of his blood set in a reliquary while for Saint John XXIII was a relic of his skin before his body was exhumed.
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