The Vatican says the retired pontiff, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, will be among prelates helping Pope Francis to celebrate the sainthood ceremony Sunday for their late predecessors John Paul II and John XXIII.
Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi told reporters on Saturday that Pope emeritus Benedict will be in St. Peter’s Square for the canonization of John and John Paul. He said Pope emeritus Benedict and many cardinals will “co-celebrate” the Mass with Francis.
Pope emeritus Benedict resigned from the papacy a year ago, and since has largely dedicated himself to prayer in a monastery on the Vatican grounds. Sunday’s appearance will be his most high-profile one since he retired.
Pope emeritus Benedict presided over John Paul II’s funeral in the square in 2005, and was elected pontiff soon after.
