He is the pride of Poland.<br /><br /> And in Krakow, around 200,000 Poles and pilgrims from around the world gathered to celebrate Pope John Paul II’s elevation to sainthood on Sunday.<br /><br /> As Karol Wojtyla, he was archbishop in the southern city before heading to the Vatican.<br /><br /> For many, sainthood means he has now taken his message further still.<br /><br /> “It is a great sign, a visible sign of divine presence on earth and we now have another advocate in Heaven,” said nun, Sister Malgorzata.<br /><br /> “I think it can convince a lot of people to come back to religion and then pray more and then do good, “ added Na Monphan, who came to Krakow from Thailand.<br /><br /> Thousands also gathered in Wadowice – the hometown of the then future pope – also hailed as a political icon, who helped to free Poland from Communist rule.<br /><br /> Among those deeply moved as they watched the canonisation on a large video screen was Anna Janczura from the town of Krynica Zdroj.<br /><br /> “It is an enormous honour,” she said. <br /><br /> “We waited for a Pole to become Pope and now he is proclaimed a Saint. I am speechless. I was crying and praying the entire day yesterday, as well as the evening and night.”<br /><br /> For many Poles the next logical step is for John Paul II to become their nation’s new patron saint.
