Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII are likely to be canonized for 'sainthood', in a ceremony set to take place on 27th April in the coming year.
John XXIII, who called the landmark second Vatican council and John Paul II, who crisscrossed the globe during his 26 years as leader of the Roman Catholic Church will be announced as saints and Benedict XVI may join Pope Francis for canonization of two predecessors in April.
According to the Guardian, the earlier date was expected to be of July, but Pope Francis approved a second miracle attributed to John Paul, clearing the path for the fastest canonization in the modern times.
The Vatican has hinted that Pope Benedict XVI might join for the event despite his desire to spend his final days 'hidden from the world' in the Vatican monastery.
Vatican spokesman, Federico Lombardi said that there is no reason either doctrinal or institutional that Pope Benedict XVI couldn't participate in a public ceremony.
Earlier, a customary five-year waiting period was required to declare a Pope as a 'saint' and a minimum of two miracles needed to be approved by the successor and the council.
However, when Benedict began John Paul's beatification process a month after the latter died in 2005, the Vatican said the customary waiting period was to be waived because of 'exceptional circumstances'.
The report said that John Paul II has been criticized of failing to tackle the sex abuse allegations against priests that emerged during his papacy while others feel that it is too soon to make him a saint.
