Sainthood in the Roman Catholic church

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The faithful pray for the saints' intercession when particularly desperate. Cities around the world are christened after them. Even non-believers admire those with the "patience of a saint."

The notion of sainthood varies for many people. With Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII cleared Friday to become saints, here is a quick look at sainthood in the world of Roman Catholicism.

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THE LONG ROAD TO SAINTHOOD

For hundreds of years in the church's early history, saints were chosen by public acclaim. Pope John XV led the first canonization in 993, making Bishop Ulrich of Au...