VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- On Saturday, April 8, Pope John Paul II received Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski and the country's foreign minister Bronislaw Geremek in a private audience.

    This was the third meeting between the Pope and Kwasniewski since the latter became president in November 1995, after an election in which he defeated Lech Walesa. He told reporters that he had found the Pontiff "in good form" and "full of energy."

    Speaking to the press after his audience, Kwasniewski reported that he had asked for the help of the Holy See in ushering Poland into the new European community. He recalled that as far back as 1979, the Pope had said that Europe should "breath with both lungs"-- a reference to the need to restore the influence of the countries of Eastern Europe. Noting the Pope's consistent support for the integration of Europe, the Polish leader said: "One cannot underestimate his capacity to break down walls and open doors."