The Canonisation of Pope John Paul II and Pope John

XXIII

Pope John Paul II Pope John XXIII

On 27th April 2014 in Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome, Popes John Paul II and John XXIII were canonised by our current pontiff, Pope Francis.

Saint John XXIII was Pope from 1958 to 1963. He was born in Italy. His birth name when was Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli. Saint John XXIII once said:

A Map of Italy

“It often happens that I wake up at night and begin to think about a serious problem and think I must tell the Pope about it. Then I wake up completely and remember that I am the Pope”.

Saint John Paul II was the leader of the Catholic Church from 1978 until 2005. He was born in Poland. His birth name was Karol Jozef Wotjyla.

The Polish Flag

He said:

“The future starts today

and not tomorrow”.

Our current pontiff, Pope Francis, described our two newest saints as “popes of the twentieth century”. Referring to the two World Wars that took place in the first half of that century, he said: “ They lived through the tragic events......but were not overwhelmed by them”.

Let us say together, in prayer, the words of Pope Francis on Sunday at the Canonisation:

May these two new saints and shepherds of God’s people intercede for the Church, so that she may be open to the Holy Spirit. May both of them teach us to enter more deeply into the mystery of divine mercy, which always hopes and always forgives, because it always loves.

Pope Benedict XVI Emeritus also attended the ceremony. He served as Pope from 2005 until 2013.

This historical occasion was a unique celebration which spiritually engaged four popes.

Note for Teachers

Alive-O contains references to and facts about the recently canonised Popes, St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II.

In Alive-O7 we read about the life of St John XXIII. This is accompanied by video footage of the Pope. Alive-O7 Term 2: Lesson 8. Spirit Wind: Pope John XXIII. This section of the DVD shows original footage of Pope John XXIII. His life and actions are seen as having been led by the Spirit. (Footage courtesy of ITN Archive.)

You might like to link this video footage with the lesson content by considering the following:

What is Pope John XXIII best remembered for?

How do you think he was moved by the Spirit?

What effect did the Holy Spirit have on the Church through Pope John XXIII?

How can you be moved by the Spirit?

Alive-O contains significant sayings of St John Paul II:

“Ná bíodh faitíos oraibh Chríost a chur in aithne dóibh siúd nach bhfuil aithne acu air fós.”

(Pápa Eoin Pól II, World Youth Day 6) Beo Go Deo7 T3C5 ; Alive O7 T3L5

“Cuimhnigh go bhfuil Críost ag glaoch ort; tá tú ag teastáil ón Eaglais; creideann an Pápa ionat agus tá sé ag súil le rudaí móra uait!” (Pápa Eoin Pól II, Saint Louis Missouri) Beo Go Deo7 T3C6 ; Alive O7 T3L6

“The law of profit alone cannot be applied to that which is essential for the fight against hunger, disease and poverty.” (Pope John Paul II). Beo Go Deo7 T1C6 ; Alive O7 T1L6

“To be truly free does not mean doing everything that pleases me, or doing what I want to do…To be truly free means to use one’s own freedom for what is a true good.” (Pope John Paul II, Dilecti Amici). Beo Go Deo 7 T1C11 ; Alive O 7 T1L11

“…train for a different goal; the goal of following Christ.” Pope John Paul II. Beo Go Deo 7 T2C6 ; Alive O 7 T2L6

Web Links

You will find more information on the recent Canonisations through the following links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=QrPcJovQJi4

http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2014/04/27/0301/00663.html