Pope beatifies John Paul II before a crowd of over 1 million, tears and cheers erupt
VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI beatified Pope John Paul II before more than a million faithful in St. Peter’s Square and surrounding streets Sunday, moving the beloved former pontiff one step closer to possible sainthood.
The crowd in Rome and in capitals around the world erupted in cheers, tears and applause as an enormous photo of a young, smiling John Paul was unveiled over the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica and a choir launched into hymn long associated with the Polish-born pope.
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Catholics worldwide celebrate late Pope John Paul II’s beatification with prayers, memories
MANILA, Philippines — Catholics worldwide celebrated the beatification of the late Pope John Paul II on Sunday, with the faithful jamming churches to pray, cherishing his mementoes and witnessing on TV screens the Vatican ceremony that brought him one step closer to possible sainthood.
From Mexico to Australia, bells pealed in churches and cathedrals and people erupted in applause and tears to celebrate after Pope Benedict XVI bestowed one of the Catholic Church’s greatest honors to Polish-born Karol Wojtyla, who visited 129 countries in his 27-year papacy to become the most-traveled pope ever.
In the Philippines, where many adore the John Paul II with rock-star intensity, people flocked to see mementoes: a piece of his cassock believed to have healing powers and a set of plate, spoon and fork — still unwashed after he used them 16 years ago during a visit to the country.
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Saint-Maker John Paul II Gains Beatification in Record Time
May 1 (Bloomberg) -- Pope John Paul II, the Roman Catholic Church’s biggest saint-maker, was elevated within a step of sainthood himself in a beatification ceremony today led by his successor, Benedict XVI.
City authorities say more than 1 million pilgrims, tourists and Italians packed St. Peter’s Square and piazzas in central Rome to watch Benedict pronounce his Polish-born mentor worthy of veneration by the world’s billion Catholics by declaring him “blessed,” the penultimate step to sainthood.
“The expected day has arrived, it has arrived soon. Pope John Paul II is blessed,” Benedict said, interrupted by the applause of the pilgrims.
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Pope declares John Paul II 'blessed'
Pope Benedict XVI has bestowed the status of 'blessed' on the late John Paul II in Saint Peter's Square as more than one million took part in the mass.
The crowd cheered as Benedict pronounced the formula of beatification for John Paul and a giant banner bearing the Polish pontiff's portrait was unveiled over the facade of St Peter's basilica.
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