[Miles O'brien, Cnn Anchor:] Two million young people from around the world turned out to see and hear Pope John Paul II at one of the largest outdoor masses ever held. CNN's Jim Bittermann was there.
[Jim Bittermann, Cnn Correspondent:] As dawn broke over their improvised campground on the outskirts of Rome, young Catholic pilgrims were already up and getting ready for mass. They had come from 160 countries to be here. A girl from Mauritius would not have missed it for the world.
[Unidentified Female:] Well, I see it's a way to I'd say to confirm our faith in Christ.
[Bittermann:] Nor would have a girl from Chile.
[Unidentified Female:] It is so beautiful to be with the Holy Father. For me, it is a great gift.
[Bittermann:] But this event is also a great gift to the Vatican. [on camera]: World Youth Days have proven successful far beyond what Catholic organizers could have hoped when the pope first suggested the idea 15 years ago. Back then, 200,000 people came to Rome. This weekend, it's 10 times that number. [voice-over]: Church leaders believe the pope's grandfatherly image is part of the attraction. A cardinal from Boston who brought 800 young people here with him also says it's the pope's authenticity.
[Cardinal Bernard Law, Boston:] We tend to live in an age that exalts youth, but young people themselves have, I think, a much broader vision of human beings.
[Bittermann:] For the aging and infirm leader of a 2,000-year-old institution, to be seen appealing to such a young and diverse crowd might confirm that thought. But the pope's draw, others suggest, also lies in his uncompromising ideals, which were in evidence again during John Paul's message at Sunday mass. "Young people and society," he said, "need to turn away from the comfortable life, drugs, and pleasure-seeking." Before officially closing the ceremonies, the pope invited the young people to the next World Youth Days two years from now in Canada, an event many here are already planning to attend, including, apparently, John Paul.
[Pope John Paul Ii:] Dear young people, we must say goodbye until the next time.
[Bittermann:] It was a farewell wish many here shared. Jim Bittermann, CNN, Rome.