VATICAN CITY -- Pope John Paul II celebrates his 83rd birthday with thousands of fellow Poles at a canonization Mass in St. Peter's Square.

He received birthday greetings in Latin from one of his closest advisers and loud applause from the crowd of tens of thousands packing the square when he arrived.

John Paul sat in hydraulic chair that allows him to celebrate Mass while seated. A top Vatican official acknowledged what many observers have long suspected -- that John Paul also suffers from Parkinson's disease.

Two Poles and two Italians -- all founders of religious orders -- were being elevated to sainthood. With 469 canonizations, this pope is the greatest saint-maker in the Church's history.

A visit to Croatia next month will be his 100th foreign tour.
The Church is preparing to mark his 25th anniversary as pontiff in October.