VATICAN CITY
Former popes John XXIII and John Paul II were declared saints by Pope Francis on Vatican's St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
Delegations from more than 100 countries around the world, including 24 head of states, were present at the celebration, the Vatican said.
Former Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned for health reasons last year, also took part in the canonization of his predecessors.
John XXIII, who served from 1958 until his death in 1963, is renowned for having convened the Second Vatican Council in 1962, which led to significant changes in church practice.
John Paul II, the second longest serving pope in history, helped end the communist rule in his native Poland. He is also praised for improving the Catholic Church's relations with Judaism, Islam, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion.
Turkey was represented by Deputy Prime Minister Emrullah Isler and Turkish ambassador to the Vatican Kenan Gursoy in the ceremony.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.
