Pope John Paul II’s own suffering highlighted in beatification; Tens of thousands will converge on Rome

ROME – Pope John Paul II’s own suffering is being highlighted in his beatification, with aides testifying about his long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

A French nun cured of the same ailment will take a starring role in the beatification ceremonies.

Sister Marie Simon-Pierre’s inexplicable cure was deemed by the Vatican the miracle needed to beatify John Paul.

Her story will be the highlight of the all-night prayer vigil Saturday ahead of Sunday’s beatification in St. Peter’s Square.

Tens of thousands of people are converging on Rome for the beatification. Many are expected to attend the vigil in Rome’s Circus Maximus, a sprawling ancient field, where the nun will be joined by John Paul’s longtime private secretary and spokesman.

Pope John Paul the second was born in Poland and reigned as pope of the Catholic church from 1978 until his death in 2005.

He was acclaimed as one of the most influential leaders of the 20th Century – and is also one of the most-travelled world leaders in history, visiting 129 countries during his pontificate.

The Vatican has planned several days of celebrations, leading up to the
beatification mass in St. Peter’s square, Sunday.

Neil MacCarthy with the Archdiocese of Toronto said the vibe in Rome is very positive and he is happy to be a part of history.

“I had the chance to meet the late Pope John Paul II in 2001 at St. Peter’s Square. Anytime I come back into the Square it’s such a reminder,” said MacCarthy