Pope Benedict XVI yesterday paid homage to his predecessor John Paul II, calling him a man of "rock-solid faith" at a Mass marking five years since the Polish pontiff's death.

John Paul II had "the ability to give generously of himself, without reservation, measure or calculation", Pope Benedict said in his homily.

The German Pope, 82, said John Paul II's declining health "never eroded his rock-solid faith, his shining hope, his fervent charity".

"What motivated him was the love of Christ to whom he dedicated his life, a copious and unconditional love," Pope Benedict said of the charismatic Pole who headed the Roman Catholic Church for nearly three decades.

John Paul II died, aged 84, on April 2, 2005.

Since the five-year anniversary of his death falls on Good Friday this year, the Mass was moved up to yesterday.

Pope Benedict also spoke in Polish to pilgrims but did not mention John Paul II's progress towards sainthood, a process that Pope Benedict set in motion just two months after his predecessor's death.

Convincing evidence of a miracle, usually a medical cure with no scientific explanation, is essential in the beatification process. A second miracle is required for sainthood.

Experts are examining the apparent full recovery from Parkinson's disease of a French nun who said she prayed for John Paul II's intercession amid expectations that he will be beatified soon.

Pope Benedict declared John Paul II "venerable" - a key step towards beatification and eventual sainthood - in December.

Pope Benedict launched the lengthy process - which can take decades if not centuries - just two months after the death of John Paul II, whose funeral was marked by calls of "Santo Subito" (Saint Now).