1.   The pope, tightly gripping the white handrail in his bulletproof encasement, blessed the crowd to roars of approval.

2.   Pavle, the patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox church, which recently issued a stinging criticism of Milosevic, blessed the crowd.

3.   Appearing unsure of his balance, the pope gripped a protective bar on the platform after each time he raised his right hand to bless the crowd.

4.   Bohmu Aung blessed the crowd on Friday, wishing them good health and making no political comments.

5.   Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew blessed a crowd in central Athens and walked alongside political leaders and clergymen to a church.

6.   Kessim, or Ethiopian rabbis, each under a decorated umbrella, blessed the crowd.

7.   Officials said, however, he would make a public appearance later in the day to bless the crowds gathered here on this summer holiday.

8.   The pope came briefly to a window above the front door of the residence and, in a barely audible voice, thanked and blessed the crowd.