Over 90 World Delegations to Attend Canonization

Over 90 official delegations from various countries plus 24 heads of state or royalty will be attending the canonization Mass on Sunday, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi told reporters today.

Some will also be taking part in a series of prayer vigils being held in at least 11 churches located in the central area of Rome in a number of different languages including English.

ZENIT has published details of the liturgies here.

Father Lombardi said as many as 150 cardinals and 1000 bishops will be concelebrating with Pope Francis at the canonization Mass of John XXIII and John Paul II.

Representatives from other major religions will also be attending the canonization ceremony including many Orthodox, Anglican, Jewish and Muslim officials.

Father Lombardi said he could not confirm the attendance of the Pope Emeritus at the Mass. He said Benedict XVI had been invited, of course, but it had been left up to him to decide whether or not to come.