I think I know why pope Francis is canonising two popes at once, although I doubt he really wanted to. JP2 was a reactionary figure but Benedict, along with the more traditional community, idolised him and had pushed hard for a very early canonisation. J23 was quite the opposite - a revolutionary figure really - and Francis is aiming here to redress an imbalance: to steer the church in a more post-vatican 2 direction. at least, I'm hoping. . . . .