The canonization Mass for two former pontiffs, John Paul II and John XXIII, marks the first time in church history that two former popes have been canonized at the same time.
The reliquaries of the newly canonized Popes John Paul II and John XXIII in St. Peter’s Square are shown. For Saint John Paul II, the relic chosen was a vial of his blood. Saint John XXIII’s relic was a small piece of skin taken after his body was exhumed for his 2000 beatification. (Claudio Peri / EPA)
Priests holding umbrellas with the Vatican colors follow the canonization Mass. (Tiziana Fabi / AFP/Getty Images)
A believer prays before a statue of John XXIII as the canonization takes place. (Luca Bruno / Associated Press)
Advertisement
Priests carrying umbrellas in Vatican colors enter St. Peter’s Square before the historic double canonization ceremony. (Jacek Turczyk / EPA)
Pope Francis greets Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the end of the canonization Mass in which John Paul II and John XXIII were declared saints. (Franco Origlia / Getty Images)
Pope Francis greets Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and his wife, Grace, after the canonization. (Andreas Solaro / AFP/Getty Images)
Pope Francis greets Paraguay President Horacio Cartes in St. Peter’s Square. (Gregorio Borgia / Associated Press)
Advertisement
Pope Francis greets Spain’s King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia followed by Belgium’s King Albert II and Queen Paola after the canonization Mass. (Andreas Solaro / AFP/Getty Images)