Rev. Thomas Worcester, S.J., professor of history at the College of the Holy Cross, and Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies at the College, recently spoke with media about the canonization of John XXIII and John Paul II on April 27, 2014.
Fr. Worcester told the Washington Times, “a canonization or beatification is rare, and ‘quite exceptional’ with two popes. Candidates for sainthood are expected to be suitable role models. A pope is a very strange choice because in some ways only popes can imitate him.”
Schmalz also told the Washington Times, “the canonization also is unusual because only one miracle has been attributed to the intercession of John. John Paul loosened the standards for sainthood. He eliminated the practice of choosing a person to argue against the candidacy — the so-called devil’s advocate — and reduced the number of miracles required for consideration of sainthood.”
Media Coverage:
- Telegram & Gazette, April 28: Popes had contrasting styles
- BBC Radio, April 26: Holy Cross Prof. Mathew Schmalz discusses canonization
- The Washington Times, April 23: In the company of a saint: Catholics gear up for a rare double canonization
- Huffington Post, April 15: Saint John XXIII
Related Information:
This “Holy Cross in the News” item by Cristal Steuer.
