Up to 5 million may go to Rome for Papal canonizations

March 17, 2014 - As many as 5 million people could travel to Rome for the April 27 canonization of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, and are expected to arrive beginning on Good Friday, April 18. According to a source in the Vatican-affiliated pilgrim office Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi who spoke with CNA March 13, “the number of pilgrims may be overestimated,” with it “more likely that the pilgrims for the canonizations will be around 1.5 million persons.” Maurizio Pucci, an official of Rome city, said there will be just 10,000 reserved seats for guests and dignitaries in the square, while there will be “free access, with no ticket needed, to the whole area which comprises St. Peter’s Square and the adjoining areas. Polish pilgrims are expected to number some 300,000, and five busloads will arrive from Sotto il Monte, Italy, the town where Bl. John XXIII was born and raised. Rome will be a hot spot for tourism also because on April 25 Italy celebrates its liberation from fascism, and is national holiday. (Source: CNA)