WARSAW : Papal Homecoming
Pope John Paul II’s first post-Cold War visit to Poland--a nine-day trip beginning Saturday--is expected to be far different from his three previous papal homecomings.
Thousands of Soviet citizens are expected to cross the border to see him when he tours the eastern part of Poland. Also, his previous visits as Pope were charged events, with the Communists still in power and the church considered a refuge for the Solidarity opposition.
Most recently, the Polish church--which claims about 90% of Poles as adherents--has lost some public support because of its campaign in support of an unpopular anti-abortion law now stalled in Parliament.
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