On the Canonizations of Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II

Here is the translation of the Holy Father's address prior to the recitation of the Regina Coeli at the conclusion of the Canonization Mass of Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II.

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Dear brothers and sisters,

Before concluding this feast of faith I would like to greet and thank all of you!

I thank the cardinals and the numerous bishops and priests of every part of the world.

My gratitude goes out to official delegations from many countries, who have come to pay homage to 2 pontiffs, who contributed in a permanent way to the cause of the development of peoples and to peace. A special thanks to the Italian officials for their precious collaboration.

With great affection I greet the pilgrims of the Diocese of Bergamo and of Krakow! My dear friends, honor the memory of the 2 popes by faithfully following their teachings.

I am grateful to all of those who with great generosity prepared these memorable days: he Diocese of Rome with Cardinal Vallini, the municipality of Rome with the Mayor Ignazio Marino, the law enforcement agencies and the various other organizations, associations and the numerous volunteers. Thank you everyone!

My greeting goes out to all the pilgrims here in St. Peter’s Square, on the nearby streets and in other places in Rome; and to those who are joining us by radio and television; and I thank the media directors and workers, who have given so many people the possibility of participating. A special greeting goes out to the sick and the elderly toward whom the new saints were especially close.

And now we turn in prayer to the Virgin Mary, whom St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II loved like her true sons.

[Translation by Joseph Trabbic]