Pope John Paul II has canonised Guatemala's first saint in a ceremony attended by hundreds of thousands of Catholics from across Central America.

At the end of the ceremony, many of those who had gathered since the early hours for the mass burst into applause, waving national flags and singing.

Much of the congregation had been there since the early hours

The Pope had earlier been greeted by jubilant crowds as he arrived at the race-course in Guatemala City.

About half a million people attended the service, during which the Pope canonised 17th century missionary, Brother Pedro de San Jose de Betancur.

The Pope's visit to Guatemala is seen as having huge significance for the Catholic Church, which is putting pressure on the authorities to investigate crimes against humanity committed during the civil war.

The pope's last visit to Guatemala in 1996 came shortly before the end of the country's 36-year civil war, and many believe the Pope played a key role in stopping that conflict.

Flower strewn streets

Most of Guatemala City came to a standstill for the Pope's arrival - shops were shut, streets were closed to traffic and the international airport was to be shut down for his stay.

Hundreds of faithful vied for space to place sand-and-flower carpets along Reforma, Guatemala City's main street.

Brother Pedro de San Jose Betancur: Guatemala's first saint

On one street, driver Freddy Gonzalez pulled his red city bus to a stop and joined a group singing a song in celebration of the Pope's arrival, leaving his passengers to wait in the crowded vehicle.

"We all have a duty to our country that is more important than our personal needs," he said, climbing behind the wheel again.

The Pope said he hoped that the canonisation of Pedro de San Jose Betancur would be "a true moment of grace and renewal for Guatemala".

Brother Pedro, a 17th century Spanish missionary, set up his own order of priests and nuns to help the poor.

"Because the pope came all the way to Guatemala to make Brother Pedro a saint, the young people of the world understand what a perfect life Brother Pedro lived," said 13-year-old Julian Tellanos.

The Pope's visit is also part of the Catholic Church's efforts to combat the loss of followers to Protestant evangelical sects.

Executions halted

It also wants to support the local Church which has had a stormy relationship with the country's political leaders over the years.

Bishops and priests were among the most outspoken critics of human rights abuses by the military during the country's brutal civil war.

Heeding a call from the Pope, Guatemalan President Alfonso Portillo agreed to halt state executions during his administration and on Monday asked the National Assembly to abolish the death penalty altogether.

"I believe, as (the Pope's) letter says, that only God can give or take away life," Mr Portillo told a rally on Saturday.