Pope Francis Canonizes Popes John Paul II and John XXIII
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Former Popes John Paul II and John XXIII were declared saints in an unprecedented double-canonization ceremony that drew about 800,000 pilgrims from around the world.
Pope Francis led the Mass at St. Peter’s Square, dotted with red and white flags in honor of John Paul II’s Polish homeland. Relics from the two saints, including a vial of blood from John Paul and a piece of skin from John XXIII, were brought to the altar during the rite. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who last year became the first pope to resign in 600 years, received applause as he took his seat.