His beatification is the quickest in modern times , made possible because Benedict -- who succeeded John Paul in 2005 -- waived the normal five-year waiting period after death to get someone 's beatification rolling . Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will attend the canonization of John Paul II and John XXIII . Vatican has as many as 150 cardinals and 1,000 bishops expected to attend ceremony . As many as a million pilgrims are expected to witness the ceremony in St. Peter 's Square .
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will attend the canonization of John Paul II and John XXIII . Vatican has as many as 150 cardinals and 1,000 bishops expected to attend ceremony . As many as a million pilgrims are expected to witness the ceremony in St. Peter 's Square .