On May 1, 2011, several European royals, heads of state, and thousands of people attended the beatification of the late Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.  The ceremony was led by Pope Benedict XVI.

Here is a brief synopsis according to Rome Reports:

We welcome the wish of our brother Agostino Vallini Cardinale, our vicar general for the diocese of Rome. We also honor the call of many of our brothers  and the many faithful. With the blessing of  the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and with our Apostolic authority, we concede that the Venerable Servant of God,
John Paul II, pope, be called a blessed. With celebrations to be held  in sites under rules established by law, each year on October 22. ”

Moments later, the image of John Paul II was uncovered. They were moments of great devotion and inexplicable excitement. And so, the call to make him a “Santo Subito”came to be.

Sister Marie Simon Pierre, the French nun cured of Parkinson’s through his intercession and Sister Tobiana, the Polish nun who cared for John Paul II until his death, presented a relic with the blood of John Paul II to Pope Benedict XVI.

After the ceremony a new anthem in honor of John Paul II was sung. Then the pope and the cardinals prayed before the body of the new Blessed.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who  flocked to Rome for the ceremony, may venerate John Paul II’s remains in the basilica. It will remain open until the last visitor goes through its doors.

In case you were wondering which European royals attended they are:  The Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg, The Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg, T.S.H.s Prince Hans-Adam and Princess Marie Aglae of Liechtenstein, T.R.H.s Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Asturias, Their Majesties King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium, and T.R.H.s the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.  Missing from the ceremony was H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock.  It is unknown at this time as to why the Prince was absent.

There are many photos as well as videos from today’s ceremony so please click the links here,  here,  here,  here,  here,  here,  and here.