Polish pilgrims meet Pope in Rome

A sea of red and white flags greeted Pope John Paul in St Peter's Square on Thursday as more than 30,000 Polish pilgrims arrived for a special Polish Mass as part of the Vatican's Millennium celebrations. There were rousing Polish hymns and the Pope was clearly moved by the warmth of the greeting he received. During his homily, the Pope referred to the pain which people were suffering in Poland because of the transition to a free market economy. With comments clearly aimed at some of the Polish leaders present in the Square, he asked for the government to takes measures that would relieve the pressure on those most affected by the changes. Commentators have said the Pope might visit his homeland this year. But Holy Year commitments have kept him in Rome. Next week he is planning to take a break in the Italian Alps.