Pope to preside over first canonizations in October

Published: 2005-09-07

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI will create five new saints when he presides over his first canonization ceremony Oct. 23 in St. Peter's Square. While Pope Benedict will lead the canonization Mass and ceremony, it was his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, who approved the decrees creating the five new saints. The late pope had also approved the decrees authorizing several beatifications this autumn; various cardinals will preside over those ceremonies, Vatican Radio reported. Pope Benedict has not yet signed or approved any decrees that would conclude pending causes for a beatification or canonization, said Vatican officials. In an attempt to highlight the difference between a beatification and a canonization, Pope Benedict is presiding over canonizations only. Those who have been beatified and are scheduled to become saints Oct. 23 are: Blessed Jozef Bilczewski, Blessed Zygmunt Gorazdowski, Blessed Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga, Blessed Felice da Nicosia and Blessed Gaetano Catanoso.

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