Popes John Paul II and John XXIII to be declared saints in 2014

Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII will be declared saints on 27 April 2014.

The announcement came from Pope Francis, who said in July that the two late Church leaders would be canonised.

It will be the first double canonisation in the history of the Catholic Church.

Pope John Paul, a Pole, remains a much loved figure among the world's 1.2 billion Catholics eight years after his death.

The charismatic Pope travelled extensively, making 104 trips outside of Italy during his papacy.    

Pope John headed the Church from 1958 until his death in 1963 and is affectionately nicknamed the "Good Pope".  

He is remembered for his good sense of humour and for calling the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). Unusually, he is being canonised without the usual requirement of a second miracle attributed to him.  

The date of 27 April will coincide with Divine Mercy Sunday in 2014, a special day instituted by Pope John Paul.

News
The inspiring story of St Luke: the man who wrote a quarter of the New Testament
The inspiring story of St Luke: the man who wrote a quarter of the New Testament

18 October is St Luke’s Day. This year’s observance has particular significance, marking the 500th anniversary of the first printed publication of Luke’s Gospel in English. This is the story …

Nicky Gumbel elected to Church of England parliament with a call to put evangelism first 
Nicky Gumbel elected to Church of England parliament with a call to put evangelism first 

The founder of the globally influential Alpha Course, the Rev Nicky Gumbel, has been elected to the Church of England’s General Synod. 

‘Strength does not always look impressive’: living with OCD as a Christian
‘Strength does not always look impressive’: living with OCD as a Christian

Thea Joshi, of the Centre for Mental Health, reflects on living with OCD as a Christian and what churches and fellow Christians can do to help those living with the condition.

Church of England receives £13m under new scheme to preserve historic churches
Church of England receives £13m under new scheme to preserve historic churches

A Church representative said he was conscious many churches had not received the funding they seek.