[1] The decision to canonize was made official by Pope Francis on 5 July 2013 following the recognition of a miracle attributed to the intercession of John Paul II, while John XXIII was canonized for his merits of opening the Second Vatican Council.

[2][3] The Canonization Mass was celebrated by Pope Francis (with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI concelebrating), on 27 April 2014 (Divine Mercy Sunday), in St. Peter's Square (Pope John Paul had died on the vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday in 2005).

[6] This was the first and only recorded Mass in Church history where a former and current Pope both participated.

Delegations from over a hundred States or international organizations were present for the canonization in Rome, including 19 heads of state and 24 heads of government.

[7] Queen Margarita Princess Marie Louise of Bulgaria