For the first time, two living popes will be in attendance at a canonization of former popes. On Sunday John XXIII and John Paul II will be canonized by the Vatican, which marks a rare historical event for all Catholics in the world watching via television, Internet and social media.

The National Catholic Reporter confirmed rumors that retired Pope Benedict XVI will be at the canonization ceremony along with Pope Francis with Msgr. Liberio Andreatta, head of the Vatican-related pilgrim agency, Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi,

"Never before have there been two popes canonized and two popes living," Andreatta said at a news conference Wednesday in Rome. "You can imagine their emotions."

Benedict retired from the papacy on Feb. 28, 2013 so he could live out the rest of his life as "simply a pilgrim." His retirement as a pope was the first to occur in the church in 600 years, Fox News Latino reported.

The 87-year-old's most recent outing was in late February for a consistory where Pope Francis made 19 new cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica, which was also the first time the two living popes attended a public liturgy together.

Italy's Ministry of Interior confirmed that 19 heads of state, 24 ministers and 23 high officials will be joining Pope Francis and Benedict at the ceremony at St. Peter's Square on Sunday.

Various locations in Rome's historical district, St. Peter's Square and the Vatican City are being outfitted with 19 giant screens for people to view Sunday's canonization ceremony. It will be translated into several languages such as Arabic, French, Portuguese and Spanish, Fox reported.

Pope John XXIII will receive his sainthood 51 years after passing away in 1963. John Paul died in 2005, and his canonization will make his the fastest in modern history to receive sainthood.

Related