(February 19, 2011) The Holy See Press Office released the following communique
at midday Friday, stating that "The beatification of Servant of God Pope John Paul
II will be a major ecclesial event divided into the following five stages: "A preparatory
vigil will take place at the Circus Maximus on the evening of Saturday 30 April, organised
by the diocese of Rome which had the Venerable Servant of God as its bishop. The vigil
will be led by Cardinal Agostino Vallini, His Holiness' vicar general for the diocese
of Rome, while the Holy Father Benedict XVI will be spiritually present through video
linkup. "The beatification ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday 1 May in St. Peter's
Square, presided by the Holy Father. Participation in the event does not require a
ticket, although access to the Square and surrounding areas will be regulated by the
police. "The veneration of the remains of the new blessed will be possible for all
faithful, beginning immediately after the beatification ceremony on Sunday 1 May.
The remains of the new blessed will remain exposed for veneration in front of the
Altar of the Confession in the Vatican Basilica for as long as the faithful continue
to arrive. "A Mass of thanksgiving is scheduled to take place in St. Peter's Square
at 10.30 a.m. on Monday 2 May, presided by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone
S.D.B. "The interment of the remains of the new blessed in the Chapel of St. Sebastian
in the Vatican Basilica will take place privately".