KROSNO - Saying his love for Poland was still burning despite nearly 20 years in the Vatican, Pope John Paul celebrated Mass for more than half a million people yesterday at the end of a triumphant visit to his homeland.
"Years spent in Rome have not extinguished my love for this land," the Pope said.
"May God reward you. Now it is time to go back to work in Rome," he said as the crowd chanted "Stay with us," in a rapturous send-off at the last major event of the 11-day visit. At the Mass the Pope canonised 15th century Franciscan John of Dukla.