梵蒂冈将教宗约翰保罗二世封圣

The Vatican says the late Pope John Paul the Second will be made a saint of the Roman Catholic Church.

Church officials announced on Friday that Pope Francis has approved sainthood for the Polish-born pontiff, who died eight years ago. The pope also decided to canonize Pope John the 23rd, who led the church during a five-year period of reorganization, until 1963.

Pope John Paul was extremely popular during his 27-year papacy.  A Vatican statement says his "love for young people brought him to establish World Youth Days."  He is also credited for encouraging dialogue with representatives of other religions, including Jews.

Pope John Paul was succeeded by Pope Benedict, a German cleric who resigned earlier this year and was replaced by Pope Francis, who had been a cardinal in Argentina. The three popes were the first non-Italians elected to lead the world's Roman Catholics in hundreds of years.

The Vatican paid tribute to the late Pope John the 23rd as "meek," "gentle, enterprising and courageous."  During World War Two, he was instrumental in helping to get news from prisoners of war to their families.

There is no word yet on when they will be canonized, or consecrated as saints, but it has been reported the ceremonies could be scheduled before the end of this year.