Over 1 Million Attend Mass, Hear Pope

Pope John Paul II offered tough challenges and affectionate encouragement Sunday to more than 1 million faithful attending Mass, one of the biggest crowds he has seen in years.

In a spirited voice despite the wilting heat, the 77-year-old pontiff counseled young followers gathered at the closing ceremonies of World Youth Day to be strong in seeking meaning in life.

“The world is wonderful and rich: It sets before us countless treasures,” John Paul II said in his final homily before returning home to Rome. “But in the end it does not satisfy our spirit.

“Dear young people, your journey does not end here. … Go forth now along the roads of the world, along the pathways of humanity,” the pope said, urging them to build a “civilization of love” and unity.

Police estimates of the crowd at the Longchamp racetrack in western Paris were twice what organizers expected, but it was just what French President Jacques Chirac predicted when he greeted the pope Thursday.