Pilgrims descend on the Vatican ahead of Sunday's double canonization

Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Pilgrims descend on the Vatican ahead of Sunday's double canonization
(Image credit: Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images)

More than one million Catholics are expected in Rome today, ahead of Sunday’s double canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII.

The crowds certainly appeared to be well on their way to that number, as pilgrims queued up outside of the Vatican, waiting to attend Sunday’s ceremony, officiated by Pope Francis. The canonization to sainthood of Pope John Paul II, who died in 2005, was considered certain, notes TIME, but the rapidity with which it is occurring is considered controversial by some.

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Sarah Eberspacher

Sarah Eberspacher is an associate editor at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked as a sports reporter at The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and The Arizona Republic. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.