Pope greets New York firefighters

New York City firefighters have met the Pope in the Vatican.

They have presented him with the white helmet of their chaplain who was killed in the September 11 attacks.

The pontiff prayed for the families of the nearly 300 firefighters who died.

"I offer a warm welcome to the delegation from the New York City Fire Department, so many of whose members lost their lives in the terrorist attack of September 11," John Paul II said in English to the New York delegation attending Mass in St Peter's Basilica.

"May Almighty God grant the bereaved families consolation and peace, and may he give you and your fellow firefighters strength and courage to carry on your great service to your city," the pontiff prayed.

Among the eight firefighters in the basilica was Daniel A. Nigro, who shortly after the attacks was promoted from chief of operations to chief of department, the highest uniformed position in the force. He replaced the chief who died in the terror attacks.

The firefighters, some accompanied by family members, came up to the pontiff and knelt before him.

A cross decorated the helmet of the Rev Mychal Judge, a Franciscan priest, who, as a department chaplain, tended to the spiritual needs of the firefighters.