Tens of thousands of adoring Poles gave the ailing Pope John Paul II a joyous welcome home this morning, lining a seven-mile route and shouting "Long live the pope!" as he arrived to consecrate a new basilica.
Some 4,000 faithful clapped in rhythm as if to propel the frail, 82-year-old pope as he made his way through the just-finished Basilica of God's Mercy on a rolling platform. He appeared breathless as he lowered himself into the papal chair by the marble altar.
Outside, at least 10,000 people filled the lawn in front of the basilica, waving flags and exploding in cheers when the pontiff circled in his "popemobile."
Poles hoped the visit to his homeland would invigorate John Paul, who is exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson's disease that have left him stooped and slurred his speech at times.
Consecrating the basilica at a shrine where he used to pray on his way to forced labor in a salt quarry under the Nazis, John Paul referred to evil in the world, making what appeared to be references to the Sept. 11 terror attacks and their aftermath.
"Where hatred and the thirst for revenge dominate, where war brings suffering and death to the innocent, there the grace of mercy is needed," the pope said, his voice faltering.
More than 250,000 Poles poured into the streets Friday night to greet the pope on the ninth visit to his homeland. Thousands waited below the window of his residence, chanting "We love you!" when he leaned out a window to greet them.
To their chants of "Welcome home," he responded: "If someone asks, it's Franciszkanska (street) number three," the address of the archbishop's residence where he lived until becoming pope and where he is staying during this trip.
The sight of more than 10,000 singing people waiting for him at the airport Friday appeared to cheer the pope, who walked slowly but steadily down the steps of the plane without the aid of a lift.
"Once again I greet Poland and all my countrymen," the pontiff said at the airport, speaking slowly but clearly. "I do so with the very same sentiments of emotion and joy that I feel every time I return to my homeland."
Rather than kneeling to kiss his native soil as he used to, the pope kissed a basket of wild flowers.
The pope's four-day visit, limited by frailties, will center on the Krakow region, where the young Karol Wojtyla nurtured his faith, was ordained and rose to become archbishop.
More than 4 million pilgrims were expected to attend the pope's visit, which many fear could be his last. About 2.5 million were expected at an open-air Mass on Sunday.
"Despite his illness, he has not closed himself behind the doors of the Vatican. This is a great example," said Maria Panczuk, 42, outside the basilica Saturday.
Many Poles looked to the pope as a moral compass to help guide them through economic hardships accompanying the transition to capitalism. John Paul acknowledged their suffering.
"I know that many Polish families, especially the largest ones, and many unemployed and elderly people are carrying the weight of social and economic change," the pope said at the airport. "I wish to tell all of them that I spiritually share their burden and their fate."