250,000 Poles Expected in Slovakia to See Pope

WARSAW, Poland, SEPT. 9, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Some 250,000 Poles plan to see John Paul II when he visits Slovakia this Thursday through Sunday, authorities reported.

Exceptional measures have been taken to ease the pilgrimage. «Buses transporting organized groups of pilgrims will be given priority to cross the border,» Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

The majority of Polish pilgrims will cross the border on Saturday and Sunday to attend the final Mass and beatification of two martyrs of Communism, in the Petrzalka esplanade, in Bratislava.

«In those days, Slovakian and Polish border officials will be more numerous than usual to avoid long queues,» the Ministry added.

As a special concession, several border crossings will be open for 24 hours, the authorities said. Most of the pilgrim groups are organized by parishes and will travel by bus or train.

ZENIT Daily dispatch - The World Seen from Rome
9. september 2003