Thousands gather for a special open air mass by Pope Benedict in the eastern German city of Erfurt. 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. 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. Those attending the mass, both Catholic and non-Catholic, seemed thrilled by the experience. (SOUNDBITE) (German) MEMBER OF AUDIENCE, VERI ZUNDER, SAYING: "It was everything, it was my whole life. I am so thrilled. You have to be here. You only experience this once." (SOUNDBITE) (German) MEMBER OF AUDIENCE, ILLGARD FRITZ, SAYING: "I am not Catholic, but I thought it was a great experience." 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. Police say the suspect denies the charges but an air gun and rifle were removed from his flat. Town officials said the safety of the pope and visitors to the mass was never at risk. Sunita Rappai, Reuters
