Official
Commemorative Medals in Bronze and Silver are to be issued on the 3rd
of March to mark the Canonization of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II. On the obverse side of the medal will be the coats of arms of Pope Francis, while on the reverse side there will be a profile of the two Pope's with the text IOANNES XXIII ET IOANNES PAV LVS II SANCTI PROCLAMANTVR XXVII APR. MMXI.
The medals will be issued by the Vatican's Philatelic and Numismatic Office.
On 27 April 2014 His Holiness Pope Francis will proclaim Saints his predecessors John XXIII and John Paul II. It will mark a special moment of joy and prayer for the faithful around the world who will gather in St. Peter’s Square, but also the start of a journey to eternal glorycelebrated by the Catholic Church.
Blessed John XXIII is commonly known as “Good Pope John”. The name recalls not only the physical features of his face, remembered affectionately by so many faithful, but also his nature as a caring shepherd who never missed an opportunity offer consolation with just a few simple words for those in need.
His fundamental historical inspiration was to convoke the Second Vatican Council, which he strongly desired and opened on 11 October 1962.
The Council marked a turning point in the Church’s history.
Pope John XXIII died on 3 June 1963, and it was during the sad days of bidding him farewell that it became clear how widely he was loved and how crucial his Magisterium was.
Pope John Paul II guided the Church into the new millennium.
He is considered one of the most significant and influential popes in modern history, not only by the Church, but the entire world. Here are just a few of the more prominent aspects which sum up his extraordinary pontificate: apostolic journeys around the world; commitment to ecumenical dialogue; constant defense of moral values, life and the family; his close rapport with people and especially the youth, the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church; the spirit with which he faced illness, especially during his final days.