Vatican declares Popes John Paul II and John XXIII saints

Huge crowds gathered in Vatican City to see a historic ceremony where two popes - John Paul II and John XXIII - were declared saints.

A Mass co-celebrated by Pope Francis and his predecessor Benedict was watched by roughly one million pilgrims and a vast TV and radio audience.

Nearly 100 foreign delegations are attending, including royal dignitaries and heads of state and government.

It is the first time two popes have been canonised at the same time.

Correspondents say the move is being seen as an attempt to unite conservative and reformist camps within the Roman Catholic Church.

Continue reading the main story

Analysis

Alan JohnstonBBC News, Rome

The ancient rite of canonisation unfolded under grey skies in a packed St Peter's Square. In keeping with tradition Pope Francis, was approached and requested to add his two predecessors to the long list of Catholic saints. And at the third time of asking, he granted that request.

Then ornate, silver containers holding holy relics of new saints were shown. A trace of blood from John Paul II, and sliver of skin taken from the body of John XXlll. Both men were hugely influential figures in the story of modern Catholicism.

The Italian Pontiff, John XXlll, is seen very much as a liberal, reforming figure. The Polish Pope, John Paul on the other hand was much more conservative. And their elevation to the sainthood on the same day is being seen as an attempt to draw together the liberal and the more traditional wings of the Church.

In his sermon, Pope Francis paid tribute to the two new saints as "men of courage".

"They were priests, bishops and popes of the 20th Century," he said.

"They lived through the tragic events of that century, but they were not overwhelmed by them. For them, God was more powerful."

Special bus, train and boat services ferried many thousands of pilgrims to Rome for the two-hour ceremony, which started at 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT).

Some had bagged places to sleep overnight as close as possible to St Peter's Square, hoping to be among the first in when it opened to the public.

Giant screens were set up in nearby streets and elsewhere in the city for those unable to get into the square.

"We've been counting down the days. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said one pilgrim from Poland, John Paul II's home country.

"We're already hoarse from singing," he told AFP.

Giant portraits of the two popes flanked Francis as he celebrated Mass

Many thousands crowded into Vatican City

Notable guests include Floribeth Mora, who claims John Paul II cured her of a serious brain condition

The Vatican confirmed on Saturday that 87-year-old Benedict XVI - now officially titled Pope Emeritus - would make a rare public appearance alongside his successor.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

"We've been counting down the days. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience”

Polish pilgrim in Rome

• How does someone become a saint?
• Life of Pope John Paul II
• John XXIII - the 'Good Pope'

Benedict XVI became the first pope to resign for 600 years when he quit for health reasons a year ago.

Papal politics

The process of saint-making is usually long and very costly.

Cormac Murphy-O'Connor talks about Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II

But John Paul II, whose 26-year reign ended in 2005, has been fast-tracked to sainthood in just nine years.

Many among the huge crowds that gathered as he lay dying cried out "santo subito", which means "sainthood now".

By contrast Italian-born John XXIII, known as the Good Pope after his 1958-63 papacy, had his promotion to full sainthood decided suddenly and very recently by Pope Francis.

The BBC's David Willey in Rome says there was a political dimension to this.

By canonising both John XXIII - the pope who set off the reform movement - and John Paul II - the pope who applied the brakes - Francis has skilfully deflected any possible criticism that he could be taking sides.