More than a million people attended the event at St. Peter's Square.
The pope's coffin was placed at the main alter so the faithful could once again pay their final respects.
To become a saint, the Catholic Church would have to confirm John Paul II performed two miracles. Beatification is the next to last step in the process of being recognized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.
Several events were held in Houston to celebrate the occasion. The University of St. Thomas is one of them. Starting at 12:30pm, different religious scholars will give lectures about the pope's legacy at the campus on Montrose.
