Pope Francis has cleared John Paul II for sainthood, approving a miracle attributed to his intercession.
Pope Francis also decided to canonise another pope, Pope John XXIII, even though there has been no second miracle attributed to his intercession. The Vatican said Pope Francis approved a decision by cardinals and bishops.
The ceremonies are expected before the end of the year. The date of December 8 - the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a major feast day for the church - has been floated as a possibility.