Canonization date for Popes John XXIII, John Paul II to be announced September 30

August 20, 2013

The prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints has declined to reveal the date for the canonization of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II.

Questioned about the canonizations during an appearance at Rimini, Italy, Cardinal Angelo Amato said only that Pope Francis will announce the date at a consistory on September 30. The Pope had already referred to that consistory during a conversation with journalists as he returned from Brazil in July, saying that the date would be selected by that time.

When Pope Francis approved the canonizations of the two Pontiffs on July 5, some Vatican insiders suggested that the ceremony could take place before the end of 2013. Pope Francis expressed doubts about that possibility during his in-flight conversation with reporters. Vatican organizers would want ample time to prepare for the ceremony, which would undoubtedly draw an enormous number of pilgrims to Rome.

 

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Further information:

• John Paul II, John XXIII sainthood day revealed Sept 30 (ANSA)
• Canonization approved for Popes John Paul II, John XXIII (CWN, 7/5)
• Pope Francis Speaks to Journalists on Papal Flight from Brazil (Vatican)