A bus showing a giant photo of late Pope John Paul II drives past St Peter's basilica on April 27, 2011 at The Vatican. John Paul II will be honoured on May 1 at a solemn beatification ceremony in Saint Peter's basilica that will give the late pontiff "blessed" status for the world's 1.1 billion Catholics and put him on the path towards full sainthood. AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO