Pope John Paul II beatified in Rome

Pope Benedict XVI has beatified Pope John Paul II before the faithful in St Peter’s Square and surrounding streets, moving the beloved former pontiff one step closer to possible sainthood.

The crowd in Rome and in capitals around the world erupted in cheers, tears and applause as an enormous photo of a young, smiling John Paul was unveiled over the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica and a choir launched into hymn long associated with the Polish-born Pope.