Francis clears John Paul II for sainthood, decides to canonize John XXIII without miracle

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis has cleared John Paul II for sainthood, approving a miracle attributed to his intercession.

Francis also decided Friday to canonize another pope, John XXIII, even though there has been no second miracle attributed to his intercession. The Vatican said Francis approved a decision by cardinals and bishops.

The ceremonies are expected before the end of the year. The date of Dec. 8 has been floated as a possibility, given it's the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a major feast day for the church.

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  Pope Francis is pictured greeting the crowd at St. Peter Square on May 19, 2013. (file image)