About 300,000 people were present in the Sanctuary on 14 and 15 August 2004 to pray with Pope John Paul II. The number of people that gathered with the Holy Father for the Mass for the Feast of the Assumption was estimated at 220,000. Among them were 1,000 priests, 100 bishops (30 of whom were non-French) and15 cardinals. The representatives of the civil authorities included two government ministers, three ambassadors, mayors, etc …
This pilgrimage was, pastorally, a great success. Many pilgrims said that they were deeply touched by the experience.

During his General Audience at his summer residence of Castel Gondolfo on Wednesday 18 August, Pope John Paul II expressed his gratitude for the pilgrimage he undertook to Lourdes on 14 and 15 August last. This is what he said:

"Dear Brothers and sisters,
This morning, I would like to thank God who, in his goodness, allowed me to make a pilgrimage to Lourdes. I thank the Blessed Virgin for the atmosphere of deep prayer and meditation of this encounter, I remember with emotion the immense crowd of pilgrims present there, especially the sick who were in pride of place and who had come to seek comfort and hope through the Blessed Virgin Mary. I hope that all the young people present will take away with them memories of this pilgrimage that will help them to become men and women of freedom in Christ!
I thank Bishop Jacques Perrier, Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, for his warm welcome together with all the bishops present, as well as all who contributed to the success of my journey. I would also like to thank the President of the French Republic and the French Authorities for their welcome and availability.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Conception, protect you, may she accompany you and lead you on the path towards the meeting with her Son!"

The Holy Father begin the rosary with an Opening prayer at the Grotto.

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