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Vatican proclaims two popes saints in packed ceremony

Pope Francis has proclaimed John XXIII and John Paul II, two of the great popes of the 20th century, saints today in a double canonization front of thousands of people in Vatican City, Rome.

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Thousands flock to Vatican for Popes' canonisation

Priests sing in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican ahead of the canonisation ceremony tomorrow. Credit: REUTERS/Tony Gentile

Thousands of pilgrims are flocking to Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City ahead of the canonisation ceremonies of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII.

Pilgrims get their beds ready for the night as they camp out for the best spots in Saint Peter's Square. Credit: REUTERS/Max Rossi

Dozens of pilgrims from John Paul II's native Poland arrived in Rome earlier and set up a camp to make sure they secure the best spots for tomorrow.

A group of Polish faithful from Wadowice rest in downtown Rome, ahead of the canonisation of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII. Credit: REUTERS/Tony Gentile

More than 200,000 faithful are expected to watch the ceremony at Saint Peter's Square.

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