ROME (AP) — Pope John Paul II's own suffering is being highlighted in his beatification, with aides testifying about his long battle with Parkinson's disease. And a French nun cured of the same ailment will take a starring role in the beatification ceremonies.
Sister Marie Simon-Pierre's inexplicable cure was deemed by the Vatican the miracle needed to beatify John Paul. Her story will be the highlight of the all-night prayer vigil Saturday ahead of Sunday's beatification in St. Peter's Square.
Tens of thousands of people are converging on Rome for the beatification. Many are expected to attend the vigil in Rome's Circus Maximus, a sprawling ancient field, where the nun will be joined by John Paul's longtime private secretary and spokesman.
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