Such was the density of the crowds of mourners outside the Archbishops Palace since Friday that it has often been difficult to get to the foot of the residence. Early afternoon on Monday, the situation was little changed, as Cracovians continued to pay tribute at the building that had provided a home for their hero for some twenty years.
Those who managed to wind their way to the front of the palace were greeted by a coloured river of candles and flowers. The eighty metre long kaleidoscope of colour continues to grow with every passing hour. Amongst the roses and candles were written tributes too. Many children in particular have left personal messages for their Pope. Yesterday evening, a young boy of little more than five found himself a quiet corner by the adjoining gardens where he wrote a message on the paving slabs with the overflowing wax: 'Holy Father, we are with you'' read his private tribute.
It is not the first time that Cracovians have gathered in their thousands outside this historic residence. The Pope made several legendary speeches from the window above the gateway both during the communist era and after the coming of democracy in 1989.
In the Summer of 2002, the beloved Pontiff said his final goodbye to the Cracovians from the same window. During that encounter, thousands of Cracovians sang the popular song 'Sto Lat!' ('Live For a hundred years!') to cheer their Pope. Then, as today, Cracovians were struggling to come to terms with the loss of the hero who fought for them with the spirit as opposed to the sword.
However, whilst their has been a great outpouring of grief, the last few days have also been marked by a spirit of thanksgiving. The Pope is remembered as an outstandingly warm, compassionate and approachable man who was also blessed with a rich sense of humour. He was an outdoors fellow, popular with students who he took on skiing, canoeing and hiking trips to the Polish mountains. And although not all of the Pope's policies were embraced unconditionally by all Poles, this did little to affect the affection in which he was held in.
As it was, the passing of the Pope also coincided with the coming of Spring. The morning after the Pontiff died, the first buds of blossom began to appear in the gardens that encircle Cracow's Old Town. For the faithful, the symbolism could hardly have been more fitting.
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