WASHINGTON (CNS) – Religious, political and secular leaders congratulated the Catholic Church on the April 27 canonization of SS. John XXIII and John Paul II. Here is a sampling of some of the reactions from the world’s religious and political leaders:
by Francis X. Rocca VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Canonizing two recent popes in the presence of his immediate predecessor, Pope Francis praised the new SS. John XXIII and John Paul II as men of courage and mercy, who responded to challenges of their time by modernizing the Catholic Church in fidelity to its ancient traditions. […]
Blessed John XXIII, who will be made a saint April 27, is remembered by many for his warmth, simplicity, social conscience and sense of humor.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio was joined by about 250 priests of the diocese for the annual Chrism Mass at St. James Cathedral-Basilica, Downtown Brooklyn.
ROME (CNS) – Seated atop a hillside overlooking Rome’s Colosseum, Pope Francis presided over the nighttime Way of the Cross, joining thousands of people gathered in prayer.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis urged Christians to remember how they first encountered Christ and to share His love and mercy with others, especially through acts of caring and sharing.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Weeks before the canonizations of Blesseds John XXIII and John Paul II, Rome hotels reported they were almost fully booked, and the Vatican confirmed the Mass will take place in St. Peter’s Square, despite knowing that hundreds of thousands of people will have to watch the ceremony on large video screens.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Blesseds John XXIII and John Paul II left lasting marks on the way the Catholic Church understands other religions and the way it interacts with believers of other faith communities.
Thousands of rare manuscripts until now accessible only to scholars at the Vatican will go online over the next four years, thanks to help from a Japanese information technology company.
Pope Francis said Christians must defend life at all stages, especially before birth, and he praised efforts to assist pregnant women in difficulty and prevent the destruction of human embryos.
