Canonization date announced for Blessed Popes John Paul II and John XXIII

Pope Francis announced the date for the Canonization of Blessed Pope John XXIII and Blessed Pope John Paul II on Monday morning. The double canonisation will be the first in the history of the Church. Two living popes are expected to be present at the canonisation ceremony: Pope Francis, who will officiate, and Pope Benedict, who retired earlier this year.

Pope John XXIII died on 3 June 1963. Pope John Paul II died on 2 April 2005. Both were beatified on Sunday, 1 May 2011.  Pope Francis decreed that his two predecessors will be raised to Sainthood on 27 April, 2014, the day on which the Church celebrates the Second Sunday of Easter and Divine Mercy.

Source: VIS