Homeland prays for ‘our man’ in the Vatican

THE hero of Polish democracy Lech Walesa said yesterday that the ailing Pope might yet surprise the world with his longevity, as church-goers from across Jean Paul II’s homeland prayed and lit candles for his health.

"Every person past the age of 50 has some ailments and that is why we must understand," the former Polish president, a devout Catholic, said hours after the Pope was taken to hospital in Rome with breathing problems.

"Many had said the Pope was in bad shape and they are already with St Peter, while the Holy Father continues to serve people and the world.

"We are left with prayers, for ourselves and for the Pope, who may yet outlive us," he added.

In Krakow, where Karol Wojtyla, now 84, decided to become a priest and where he was ordained in 1946, people lit candles for his health on the Catholic holiday of Candlemas Day.

"I woke up this morning and heard the Pope is ill.

"I started to pray immediately and then I decided to come here and pray for him," Krystyna Malica, 70, said outside a church in the southern Polish city.

During Candlemas ceremonies, church-goers bring candles to church, where the flame is blessed and represents good will and luck in the coming year.

Many Poles view John Paul as the inspiration in their fight against communism spearheaded by Mr Walesa as leader of the Solidarity movement in the 1980s and Poland's return to mainstream Europe, which was sealed by EU accession last year.

Some still believe he safeguards Polish interests in the Vatican.

"Let God bless him because when he is gone they will treat Poland differently," said pensioner Barbara on the steps to a church in central Warsaw, where a life-size statue of the Pope welcomes the faithful.