The Canonization of JPII and John XXIII in 14 great photos

Salt + Light Media

Friday, May 2, 2014

On Divine Mercy Sunday, Pope Francis declared Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II saints. In an unprecedented ceremony, approximately 800,000 people filled St. Peter's Square, the streets around the Vatican, bridges over the Tiber and many squares in Rome. The ceremony was also attended by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Retired Pope Benedict XVI embraces Pope Francis before the canonization Mass. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters)

A large crowd is seen in and around St. Peter's Square as Pope Francis celebrates the canonization Mass. (CNS photo/Massimo Sestini, Italian National Police via Catholic Press Photo)

Belgium's former Queen Paola and former King Albert II, left, are seated next to Spain's King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia before the start of the canonization Mass. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Bishops process to their seats before Pope Francis celebrates the canonization Mass. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Pope Francis kisses the relic of St. John XXIII presented by Father Ezio Bolis, director of the Pope John XXIII Foundation. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Poland's flag is seen as pilgrims wait on Via della Conciliazione outside St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 26, the eve of the canonization of Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Pope Francis celebrates the canonization Mass. (CNS photo/Lisa Johnston, St. Louis Review)

A large crowd is seen as Pope Francis celebrates the canonization Mass. (CNS photo/Evandro Inetti, pool)

Pope Francis waves to the crowd as he arrives for the canonization ceremony. (CNS photo/Lisa Johnston, St. Louis Review)

Polish Sister Tobiana Sobodka, who ran St. John Paul II's household, and Joaquin Navarro-Valls, who served as spokesman for the new saint, arrive for his canonization Mass. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Devotees carry relics and candles of Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II during their canonization Mass. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Woman involved in miracle for St. John Paul II carries relic at canonization Mass

Floribeth Mora Diaz, accompanied by her husband Edwin, carries the relic of St. John Paul II, after presenting it to Pope Francis. Mora Diaz's cure from an aneurysm in 2011 was the second miracle in the sainthood cause of St. John Paul. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)