A pilgrimage site in Krakow consecrated by the late Pope John Paul II is braced to host over 200,000 faithful during the beatification of the former pontiff on 1 May.

The Sanctuary of Divine Mercy already attracts 2 million pilgrims from around the world each year, owing to miracles associated with Saint Faustyna Kowalska.

For the upcoming ceremonies, connected to the beatification ceremony - a major step towards sainthood for the Polish Pope - police are appealing for all pilgrims arriving in cars to carry a sheet of A4 paper so that officers can effectively direct people to makeshift car parks.

Several of the streets leading up to the sanctuary will be closed to traffic on 1 May.

In August 2002, Pope John Paul II consecrated a brand new basilica adjoining the convent where Saint Faustyna once resided.

The former nun experienced a series of visions of Christ, later described in an icon that today provides a focus for hordes of pilgrims.   (nh)