Vatican News: Thousands To Attend Canonization of John Paul II, John XXIII Including Pope Francis, Benedict XVI and Latin American Leaders

The canonization of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II is to be presided over by Pope Francis and Benedict XVI, however, the event is going to be followed by millions of people on TV, the internet and across social media. According to Vatican officials, 19 heads of state, 24 prime ministers and 23 officials will come to Italy for the ceremony in St. Peter's square on the 27th of April. The King and Queen of Spain, Juan Carlos and Sofía, and the presidents of Ecuador and Honduras will all attend.

The 'presence' of four popes has become quite a talking point and a unique moment for the Catholic Church. "It will be an emotional moment," said Liberio Andreatta, president of the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi. "Two living popes and two canonized popes. I can only imagine how Benedict XVI and Francis must feel," he added. While Benedict's presence has not yet been confirmed by the Vatican, the Italian media has taken his attendacne as a foregone conclusion.

The canonization will take place on the 27th of April - two days after Italy's Liberation Day. "We are ready, very ready, to receive close to three million tourists," said the city's mayor, Ignazio Marino. "It will be a global event." Indeed, there will be 19 screens installed throughout the capital, including several at St. Peter's Square. The ceremony will be broadcast in numerous languages inclduign Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, French and Italian.