Better late than never…

Vatican Radio issued the news release on the Friday before the canonization–get your official apps covering the canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII. Despite the late release, you still have time to explore the life and significant works of these two great popes and saints as you await the canonization celebration on 27 April, 2014. These apps are designed for use by participants in Rome at the canonization AND we folks staying home. The apps come in several languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese. The obvious omission is Polish (?! really ?!) The schedule of events during the course of the weekend is appreciated, and it is assumed that Vatican Radio will carry various services and reports live on their site which is directly linked with both apps.  On the schedule pilgrims will find linked maps to the various churches and sites holding services, vigils, confession, and Mass. Great help for the travelers there (but no Polish language in the apps for the Polish pilgrims attending for their beloved John Paul II). Links on the apps take you to all the various Vatican news outlets including Vatican Television Center to watch the more significant events live streamed to your mobile device. This feature is also available on the PopeApp if you have that. While you wait, you can check out archived videos of the two popes, read their encyclicals, read about why they have been designated “saint,” pray their official prayers and read their biographies. For pilgrims in Rome you will appreciate the amenities detailed in the “places” tab which acts like a  Vatican version of Yelp. Here the apps note your location and offer map locations of local restaurants & bars, hotels and transportation, entertainment, shopping etc. You will find language options in the “settings” tab on the home screen. Ours defaulted to English as we downloaded in the United States off iTunes here.

John XXIII: the Official App of Canonization (Free) iOS and Android.

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John Paul II: the Official App of Canonization (Free) iOS and Android.

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