Scottish Catholic Observer

More than five million people are expected to arrive in Rome for the Canonisations, and churches in the city will stay open all night before the ceremony to accommodate pilgrims and offer a prayer vigil.

In a sign of the event’s global reach, the Canonisations will be shown on television and in cinemas around the world. In the UK, Sky3D and Sky Arts will broadcast live from St Peter’s Square and the Scottish faithful will be able to watch in Cineworld cinemas in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee.

Ronnie Convery, director of communications for Glasgow Archdiocese, said: “The message being relayed loud and clear is that it is perfectly possible to be a saint in the modern world.”

Mr Convery also believes that there will be great satisfaction at the Canonisations in Scotland.

“For one thing many people who were around in 1982 at John Paul’s visit to Bellahouston Park will be able to tell their children and grandchildren ‘I saw a saint,’ which is quite a boast!” he said.

Pope Francis took the unusual step of waiving the usual requirement for two miracles before the Canonisation of Pope John XXIII, with the Church saying such a requirement has always been debated.

Mr Convery said Pope Francis believes the universal devotion to ‘Papa Roncalli’ is grounds for canonisation.

Pope Francis will preside over a the Mass of Canonisations starting at 10am local time (9am UK time) in St Peter’s Square. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be recited and texts by the two Popes read.

It is hoped that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will take part in the Canonisation but the former Pope has not confirmed his attendance.

“He has been invited of course,” Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi said. “It is an open possibility.”

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This story ran in full in the April 25 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.