KRAKOW, Poland -- This is a milestone week for Pope John Paul.

The 83-year-old pope is marking his 25th year as leader of the world's Roman Catholics. He was elected to the papacy Oct. 16, 1978.

It's reason for celebration in his native Poland, where he's credited with inspiring the fall of communism.

On Sunday, thousands of Poles in Krakow's Market Square cheered as the pope spoke to them in a live television feed from the Vatican.

The smiling pontiff, his hands trembling as he sat in an armchair, expressed gratitude for his long tenure.

He declared in Polish, “God allowed me to see the 25th year of the pontificate.” He added, “Thanks to God, thanks to the people.”