Two popes to become saints in first ever double canonization ceremony
- 10 years ago
Two popes are set to become two saints in one weekend -- Pope John Paul II, and Pope John XXIII.
An unprecedented twin canonization that's sparked both joy, and controversy.
The daughter of one of Pope John Paul II's childhood friends remembers him as an uncle.
(SOUNDBITE) (Polish) DAUGHTER OF JOHN PAUL II'S CHILDHOOD FRIEND, ZOFIA SILKOWSKA, SAYING:
"It was always a great joy when uncle (John Paul II) appeared. Of course there were scheduled meetings, when we knew he would visit us, but there were also completely unexpected (visits)."
While Pope John XXIII died half a century ago, critics say the canonization of John Paul - only nine years after his death - is too hasty.
Vatican Correspondent Robert Mickens.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) VETERAN VATICAN CORRESPONDENT, ROBERT MICKENS, SAYING:
"Now, I think one of the things that we look at when we canonize somebody, when the Church recognizes the holiness of a person doesn't mean that someone is
An unprecedented twin canonization that's sparked both joy, and controversy.
The daughter of one of Pope John Paul II's childhood friends remembers him as an uncle.
(SOUNDBITE) (Polish) DAUGHTER OF JOHN PAUL II'S CHILDHOOD FRIEND, ZOFIA SILKOWSKA, SAYING:
"It was always a great joy when uncle (John Paul II) appeared. Of course there were scheduled meetings, when we knew he would visit us, but there were also completely unexpected (visits)."
While Pope John XXIII died half a century ago, critics say the canonization of John Paul - only nine years after his death - is too hasty.
Vatican Correspondent Robert Mickens.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) VETERAN VATICAN CORRESPONDENT, ROBERT MICKENS, SAYING:
"Now, I think one of the things that we look at when we canonize somebody, when the Church recognizes the holiness of a person doesn't mean that someone is