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What do we know about the relics, which are an important part of this ceremony, the significance and how it will differ for both? and let's take a moment as we watch pope emeritus benedict greet the pope there. you mentioned how it was unclear how the two living popes would get along. at the moment, it appears they have a warm relationship. >> reporter: yes. yes, absolutely, and one of the few times that we've been able to see them both together on the same stage. but as you were saying, earl, after the cardinal amato, who is the head of the congregation for saints, petitions the pope three ti...

John xxiii as saints. right now you're watching the presentation of the relics as it is happening there in st. peter's square. i want to bring in john allen and delia gallagher. and john, if you can explain to us what we are seeing and the significance of these acts. >> reporter: well, these are relics of the two new saints. specifically, it's a vial of the blood of pope john paul ii, and a piece of the skin of pope john xxiii. it's important to say that relics of saints have always played an incredibly vital role in catholic spirituality and in devotion to the saints. i mean, back in the midd...

Declare and define blessed john xxiii and john paul ii be saints and enroll them among the saints, decreeing that they are to be venerating as such by the whole church. in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. ♪ >> pronouncing formula.

Common, actually, than the things that separated them. but at the same time, amara, one thing you dare never forget about francis is that beneath that humble, simple exterior lies the mind of a very sophisticated jesuit politician. and i think his fear, honestly, was that if you canonize one of these two men individually, that it could be seen in the street as a kind of victory lap for one side or another in the church's internal debates. unity built upon a foundation of mercy is the core value for pope francis, and so, i think by putting these two new pope saints together, he's basically invi...

To canonize john xxiii and john paul xxii. >> pope benedict xvi is in attendance, sitting there along with some 150 cardinals, 1,000 bishops and 24 world leaders. in addition to that, a sea of people you'll see on these shots gathered in and around st. peter's square. in fact, vatican officials say they can expect up to a million people to arrive there today. >> and a live look there. as you can see, pope francis leading this procession as it just got under way just a few minutes ago. but again, a historic day as the first time ever that we are seeing two popes becoming saints in one day. >> w...