Pope Francis has set April 27 as the date for the canonization of Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II. The two pontiffs will become saints on Divine Mercy Sunday. John XXIII is depicted in a painting from a museum in his Italian birthplace. John Paul II is shown in a composite featuring a image of him by Polish photographer Grzegorz Galazka. (CNS)
Pope Francis has set April 27 as the date for the canonization of Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II. The two pontiffs will become saints on Divine Mercy Sunday. John XXIII is depicted in a painting from a museum in his Italian birthplace. John Paul II is shown in a composite featuring a image of him by Polish photographer Grzegorz Galazka. (CNS)

We sent our April 17 print edition to press last night. It devotes seven pages to Blessed Pope John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II (#2popesaints) in honor of their upcoming canonization set for two week from tomorrow.

The lead story features interviews with Catholics throughout the Diocese of Phoenix. They were eager to share the impact both popes had on their own faith life and the life of the church. The reporter admits it was “not so easy to find those who remember Blessed Pope John XXIII, the pontiff who convened the Second Vatican Council.”

While that may be true, that doesn’t mean the younger generations can’t learn about “the Good pope” and reflect on his impact. All 610 students at Blessed Pope John XXIII School in Scottsdale know a bit about him. Check out the video.

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