St. Peter’s Square teemed last weekend with believers witnessing the extraordinary canonization of two contemporary popes, John XXIII and John Paul II.

Domenico Stinellis/ The Associated PressPope Francis is driven through a Vatican crowd Sunday after presiding over a ceremony canonizing two of his predecessors, John XXIII and John Paul II. — Domenico Stinellis/ The Associated Press
Pope Francis is driven through a Vatican crowd Sunday after presiding over a ceremony canonizing two of his predecessors, John XXIII and John Paul II.

Americans who are critical of the church, its failings and even the sanctification process focus on recent scandals and exclusionary practices. Without minimizing these criticisms, there should also be a secular recognition of these two past popes’ international achievements, remembering that they both partnered with U.S. presidents to positively change the course of global events. (read more)