Pope Canonization live streaming coverage [Start time]: Watch online Pope John Paul II, Pope John XXIII become saints today [3D viewing locations]

In this file photo, Pope John Paul II smiles before addressing the faithful assembled for the traditional Sunday noon blessing at the Pope's summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, Sunday August 13, 1995 (AP)

The historic canonization of two popes is taking place today in St Peter's Square.

Large crowds turned out to see the twin canonisation of two popes - Pope John Paul II, who led the Church from 1978 to his death in 2005, and Pope John XXIII, who held the papacy from 1958 to 1963.

Over a million people were expected to flock to St Peter's Square in Rome on Sunday to witness the ceremony, which was being led by Pope Francis and his predecessor Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI.

Only one miracle out of the two required to be canonised has been performed in the name of Pope John XXIII, but his life was deemed holy enough by Pope Francis, who waived the second miracle.

Two miracles are credited in Pope John Paul II's name. A French nun was cured of Parkinson's disease, and a woman from Costa Rica was cured of a brain aneurysm.

The ceremony is being called "a completely unprecedented event in the history of the Church" as four popes are "symbolically united" for the first time.

The three-hour ceremony on Sunday began at 10am CEST , but broadcast began at 9.30am CEST/ 3.30am ET / 12:30am PT.

Up to 1,200,000 images of the two popes are expected to be transmitted on screens around Rome during the event.

The canonisation was also being made available to watch online via live stream broadcast for free on 2popesaints.org

Viewers will also be available to watch the historic event live in 3D movie theatres. Cinemas in Europe, the US and Latin America have been holding special 3D screenings for the spectacular event on the big screen.

This was to allow audiences around the world to feel "that they are actually there in St Peter's Square, fully immersed in the event...in a way that would once have been unthinkable", organisers say.

To find your nearest screening, go to www.canonisationliveincinemas.com

More information about the canonization is available on The Pope App. Updates will also be provided on Pope Francis' Twitter account.

News
Darlington nurse describes brave stand for biological reality in US speech
Darlington nurse describes brave stand for biological reality in US speech

The NHS has been "ideologically captured" by transgenderism, nurse Bethany Hutchison said at an event on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.

Scots families send clear signal to government over home education
Scots families send clear signal to government over home education

Proposals could disproportionately impact children with special needs or disabilities.

Is New Zealand experiencing its own 'Quiet Revival'?
Is New Zealand experiencing its own 'Quiet Revival'?

The so-called “Quiet Revival” report by the Bible Society noting an upsurge in Christianity among young people in the U.K. is also seen to an extent among young New Zealanders, according to a report by Baptists. 

Worship leader Ron Kenoly dies at 81
Worship leader Ron Kenoly dies at 81

Ron Kenoly, a pioneering Christian worship leader whose anthems helped shape modern praise music and whose ministry emphasized worship as service rather than performance, has died. He was 81.