Over 80 per cent of Rome hotels already full

Hotels in Rome are already almost booked out for the upcoming canonisation of popes John Paul II and John XXII on 27 April, according to the Booking.com website.

More than 82 per cent of the city's hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts have been reserved for the unprecedented event which is expected to attract around two million visitors to Rome.

Considered two of the 20th century's most influential popes, John XXIII ushered in an era of reform with the Second Vatican council, while JPII led the Catholic church for 27 years and is credited with being a major force in toppling Soviet rule in central Europe.