Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, proclaimed two of his predecessors -- John XXIII and John Paul II -- as saints at a ceremony today (April 27, 2014) in St. Peter's Square, the VOA News website reports.
Officials say one million people crowded St. Peter's and the nearby streets of Rome for the elevation-to-sainthood ceremony.
Francis read the formal proclamation at the canonization Mass also attended by emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. It is the first time in history that two former popes have been elevated to sainthood at the same time.
Relics of the two new saints were brought to the altar during the ceremony -- John Paul's blood used in his 2011 beatification, and a small piece of John's skin taken after his body was exhumed for his 2000 beatification. Relics are used to help the faithful venerate.
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