- For the canonisation of Blesseds John XVIII and John Paul II on Divine Mercy Sunday 27 April 2014, participation is open to all those able to find space in St. Peter’s Square, Piazza Pio XII and Via della Conciliazione, without any need for tickets.
- A digital platform has been provided, the aim of which is to enable the faithful and pilgrims to have access to news and information regarding the ceremonies as well as a series of spiritual reflections on the life and teachings of both popes. The official site www.2papisanti.org is a portal which offers contacts, sections for press offices, information, videos and images as well as biographical documentation on John XXIII and John Paul II. It will be available in five languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish and Polish.
- Liturgical events celebrating the canonisations which are taking place in Rome:
– On Easter Saturday 26 April, starting at 9 pm, there will be a “White night of prayer” and the churches throughout the centre of Rome will remain open for prayer and confession in various languages.
– Sunday 27 April, starting at 10 am, Holy Mass and canonization presided by Pope Francis in Saint Peter’s Square.
– Monday 28 April, Mass of Thanksgiving in Saint Peter’s Square.
- See a special canonizations web feature on www.catholicbishops.ie which details:
– Irish bishops and pilgrims attending the ceremonies
– The lives and ministries of Blessed John XXIII and Pope John Paul II
– Special events in Irish dioceses and parishes to mark this special occasion
– Irish television and cinema coverage of the canonisations
– Live audio recordings of Pope John Paul II’s addresses and homilies during his historic Apostolic Pilgrimage to Ireland in 1979
– The process in becoming a saint
- Martin Long, Director of the Catholic Communications Office, will be available to media in Rome from Easter Saturday morning, 26 April 2014.
ENDS
For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long 00353 (0) 86 172 7678
