Millions of Catholics will be able to watch the historic canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII live online from the Vatican this Sunday.
The unprecedented ascension to sainthood of two popes — something never before seen in the Church — and the fact that two living popes will be in attendance during the festivities makes the events a true celebration for the faithful.
It is expected that more than one million people will make it to St. Peter’s Square in person and many more will be watching online or on their televisions as Pope Francis, names Blessed John Paul II and John XXIII the newest saints of the Catholic Church.
The live stream begins on April 27 at 12:30 am PT and 3:30 am ET and it will last three-hours and Rome has been preparing to show the proceedings in over one million screens around the ancient city.
Not only will viewers have the traditional option to watch the ceremony on TV, but there will be several site offering a live stream and well as a live feed in some theaters in Europe, the US, and South America, which has a large concentration of Catholics, which will be showing 3D versions of the canonization of John Paul II and John XXIII as it happens.
For a list of participating theaters go here .
Organizer say they decided to do this so that viewers 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.”
Keeping with the modern times, the Catholic Church will also have updates on the Pope App and those that are in social media can follow updates on Pope Francis Twitter page.
The atmosphere in the Italian capital is that of a huge party as people of all ages gather to witness the historic canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII and long lines can be seen at this early time already.
Florists from #Puglia preparing flower arrangement in St. Peter’s for Sunday #Canonization of 2 Popes at #Vatican pic.twitter.com/RS1k9VTVHE
— Patricia Thomas (@MozzarellaMamma) April 26, 2014
Practice and preparations prior tomorrow’s canonization. pic.twitter.com/6dQU0GpgKL
— John M. Rozembajgier (@Rozembajgier) April 26, 2014
A long line of people going inside St Peters Basilica snakes through St Peters square ahead of Sundays canonization. pic.twitter.com/fdd96OXILP
— Raffy Tima (@raffytima) April 25, 2014
You can watch the canonization or Popes John Paul II and John XXII live online here:
[Image via Twitter ]
