Pilgrims from all over Mexico have given Pope John Paul a rousing welcome in the capital, Mexico City, on the final leg of his 10-day tour of the Americas.

Tens of thousands cheered and chanted "The whole world loves you" as his popemobile crossed the city from the airport to the Vatican envoy's residence, where he was to spend the night.

The Pope is rounding off his 10-day visit to the Americas

Millions are expected to stay off work to follow the Pope's visit live on TV.

The highlight will be the canonisation of Juan Diego, a Mexican Indian who is said to have had a vision of the Virgin Mary almost five centuries ago.

The church has lost millions of followers in recent years to Protestant evangelical groups in the largely indigenous south of Mexico, and Catholics hope Juan Diego's sainthood will halt that decline.

"It is so exciting to know we will see the Pope," said Judith Jimenez, 22, who travelled hundreds of kilometres with several friends to catch a glimpse of him.

'Inspiration to children'

Ms Jimenez was among several thousand people who converged on Mexico City's central Zocalo square on Tuesday to watch the celebration on a giant screen.

Mexican President Vicente Fox, a fervent Catholic, and 2,600 guests welcomed the 82-year-old Pope.

Children in traditional indigenous dress also greeted the Pope and Mr Fox had tears in his eyes as he paid tribute to the pontiff.

"Your deeds and words over more than two decades have inspired legions of Mexican children, youths and adults," he said.

It is the Pope's fifth trip to Mexico, where 90% of the population of 100 million is Roman Catholic.

Before arriving in Mexico, the Pope canonised Guatemala's first state, Brother Pedro de San Jose de Betancur.