Ahead of a historic double cannonization, in which Pope Francis will declare two of his predecessors saints, Italians aren't the only ones gearing up for the festivities.
This Polish marathoner made the run on foot all the way from former Pope John Paul II's hometown in Poland, to the Vatican.
(SOUNDBITE) (Polish) POLISH MARATHON RUNNER PIOTR KURYLO SAYING:
"I wanted to come here for the canonisation because I love my pope. I even have a car but I wanted to run. My passion is running...I always knew that our pope was a saint. Now it's only going to be official. Everything he did in his life always made him a saint."
But not all of the festivities were so spirited.
A statue honoring Pope John Paul II collapsed on a young man in Italy and killed him.
And while security is tight in the area in and around the Vatican, anticipation mounts as the pilgrims are beginning to pour in.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) SPANISH PILGRIM ALFONSO PASTOR SAYING:
"I
