Vatican warns of John Paul II scalpers

VATICAN CITY, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The Vatican warned Friday against counterfeit tickets to the beatification mass for Pope John Paul II, saying the outdoor service is free.

The church released a schedule for the beatification, Catholic News Service reported. There will be a prayer vigil the evening of April 30 on the site of the Circus Maximus in Rome, with the beatification mass at 10 a.m. May 1 in St. Peter's Square and a mass of thanksgiving in the square on May 2.

Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate both masses.

The Rev. Federico Lombardi, a Vatican spokesman, said the coffin holding John Paul's body will be placed before the high altar in St. Peter's allowing it to be viewed after the beatification. It will be re-interred in a private ceremony.

Archbishop James Harvey, prefect of the pope's household, said tour operators have advertised on the Internet and elsewhere that they have access to tickets for the beatification.

"For the beatification mass of Pope John Paul II, as made clear from the outset, no tickets are required," Harvey said in a statement in six languages.