Beatification of John Paul II Preperations Underway

At the Vatican today, as part of the final preparations for the beatification ceremony for Pope John Paul II, the pope’s coffen was removed from the crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica. During the beatification ceremony on Sunday, the coffin will be on display before the high altar in St. Peter’s.

According to the Vatican, delegates from around the globe will be on hand during the ceremony. Heads of state from 22 nations are expected to be among the 87 delegations to be present. The Queen of England, who spent today at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, will be sending Richard the Duke of Gloucester to represent her country.

Despite the economy, a report in the Wall Street Journay estimates that about 80,000 travelers from Poland are expected to make the journey to pay respect to the former polish Pope. Many are speculating that Pope John Paul II is a likely candidate to become a saint.

After the ceremony the coffin of John Paul is to be re-interred under an altar in St. Peter’s Basilica.