Archbishop Charles J. Chaput released this statement over the weekend concerning the upcoming canonizations:

I received with joy the news from the Vatican that both Blessed Pope John Paul II and Blessed Pope John XXIII will be canonized saints. The pontificates of these two men shaped Catholicism as we know and practice it today. In convening the Second Vatican Council, John XXIII ushered in an era of reform that touched every facet of the universal Church. Throughout his long reign, John Paul II exhibited compassion and love for members of the Church around the world and worked diligently to advance social justice issues on behalf of those neglected by society.

I invite all of the priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to join me in raising their voices and hearts in prayerful thanksgiving for the lives and saintly examples of John XXIII and John Paul II.