In 7 Months, It'll Be 'Saint John Paul II'

John XXIII also set for sainthood in first double canonization
Posted Sep 30, 2013 6:11 AM CDT
Updated Sep 30, 2013 7:07 AM CDT
In 7 Months, It'll Be 'Saint John Paul II'
In this Oct. 4, 1962 file photo, Pope John XXIII stands at the window of his nine-car train during a brief stop at the small railway station of Orte, Italy.   (AP Photo/Mario Torrisi)

It's official: Pope John Paul II will be declared a saint on April 27, 2014—as will Pope John XXIII, pontiff from 1958-1963, in the Catholic Church's first-ever double canonization. Pope Francis, who will lead the ceremony, announced the date at a meeting with cardinals today, the AP notes. He'll declare John XXIII a saint even though he has only one miracle on his record, short of the usual requirement of two, the BBC reports. Known as a progressive, John opted for the vernacular, rather than Latin, in masses; he also improved the Church's relationship with Judaism. Pope Benedict will also be on hand for the canonization.

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