Krakow, Poland ? Pope Benedict XVI encouraged prayers Friday for the beatification of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, an eagerly awaited remark on a cause close to the hearts of many Poles.

Benedict has referred to John Paul as a great pope and “my beloved predecessor” and quoted from him extensively, but Poles were awaiting word on the beatification. Some even hoped Benedict would announce it during his four-day Poland tour.

Thousands of people lined the streets as Benedict rode through Krakow’s central old town in his popemobile, giving him a loud and enthusiastic welcome in the city where the Polish-born John Paul served as archbishop before becoming pope.