Thousands gather for a special open air mass by Pope Benedict in the eastern German city of Erfurt.<br/> Some 30,000 people attended the mass in the medieval main square of the formerly communist city, where only around 7 per cent of the population are Catholic.<br/> The 84-year-old pontiff, on his third visit to his homeland, blessed the crowds and praised those who remained faithful through Nazi and Communist regimes.<br/> Those attending the mass, both Catholic and non-Catholic, seemed thrilled by the experience.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (German) MEMBER OF AUDIENCE, VERI ZUNDER, SAYING:<br/> "It was everything, it was my whole life. I am so thrilled. You have to be here. You only experience this once."<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (German) MEMBER OF AUDIENCE, ILLGARD FRITZ, SAYING:<br/> "I am not Catholic, but I thought it was a great experience."<br/> Two hours before the mass, police arrested a man alleged to have fired at security officials from his flat, just 500 meters from the square.<br/> Police say the suspect denies the charges but an air gun and rifle were removed from his flat.<br/> Town officials said the safety of the pope and visitors to the mass was never at risk.<br/> Sunita Rappai, Reuters
