Crowds Jam Vatican, Snarl Rome Traffic

Snarling traffic across Rome, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims descended on St. Peter’s Square in what was seen as a dress rehearsal for the huge crowds expected in 2000, the church’s holy year. Police said about 250,000 Catholics from around the world had reached the square by early evening for a religious vigil. Pope John Paul II greeted the cheering throng as he glided along a passageway aboard his “popemobile.” At least 20 million extra tourists are expected throughout 2000 for celebrations marking the start of the church’s third millennium.