use its post-Communist freedom wisely.
He made the comments after he was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd of about 150,000 pilgrims who often interrupted his speech with "Long live the Holy Father" and other shouts of encouragement.
Catholic officials said John Paul’s determination inspired the sick to attend the open air mass in Banska Bystrica, almost 200 kilometres east of the capital, Bratislava.
It even prompted Bishop Rudolf Balaz to tell the Pope his visit was precious because he came with "much strain and bearing a cross."
The slowly and difficult speaking Pope, who is unable to walk and whose body shakes because of Parkinson’s disease, also comforted those who suffered under decades of Communism.
Hundreds of Christians were imprisoned during that time and Communist authorities even banned Banska Bystrica from having a Bishop from 1950 to 1973.
FREEDOM "EDUCATION"
His sermon, which was partly read by a Cardinal, warned Slovaks that in this new era when their country prepares to join the European Union "an education in freedom is urgently needed. Especially in the family, parents must educate their children to a correct freedom, so as to prepare to God’s call."
It was a plea to Europeans to reaffirm traditional family values in the face of liberal abortion laws and growing legal recognition of homosexual unions.
The Vatican has also been concerned about the Slovak Parliaments adoption this summer of legislation that would allow abortions till the 24th week, instead of 12 weeks.
NOT SOMBER
Slovak President Rudolf Schuster has vetoed the measure noted above, pending a decision from the court. However the open air mass was not just a somber affair.
A Christian youth group sang Christian charismatic songs, which have increasingly marked several of the Pope’s public appearances as the church is trying to reach out to a younger generation.
As they were singing, people showed hand-painted signs in the Pope’s native Polish.
Authorities were expecting as many as 250,000 and even possible half a million people during three more open air events over the weekend. His four-day Slovak trip is the 102nd papal trip in the Pope’s near 25-year reign over the church.
