EXPLOSIVES FAIL TO DETER PAPAL VISIT : PONTIFF IN BOSNIA TO PUSH PEACE.

Byline: Victor L. Simpson Associated Press 

Undaunted by a cache of explosives found on his travel route, Pope John Paul II plunged into his peace mission to Sarajevo on Saturday, wading into crowds and declaring ``Never again war.''

Just hours before the pope's jet landed at Sarajevo's airport, police found 23 mines, plastic explosives and detonators hidden under a bridge along the pontiff's route from the airport to the city center.

Authorities said the explosives were apparently planted during the night to await the pope's motorcade.

The Vatican said five helicopters had been ready to ferry the pope directly to the cathedral in the city center, but that John Paul II insisted on driving - past the notorious Sniper's Alley and some of the worst damage remaining from the 3-1/2-year Bosnian war.

Outside the cathedral, while Italian peacekeepers watched from a rooftop, the 76-year-old pontiff - frail looking and stooped by age - appeared to move somewhat haltingly as he shook hands and greeted well wishers in the crowd.

``It would have been better if he had come during the war, but it was too dangerous,'' said the cathedral rector, Monsignor Ivan Mrso.

The pope is intent on healing divisions among Roman Catholic Croats, Muslims and Orthodox Serbs, describing himself as a ``pilgrim of peace and friendship'' and urging that the ``natural instinct of revenge'' give way to the ``liberating power of forgiveness.''

``Never again war! Never again hatred and intolerance!'' John Paul II said before a sparse crowd in the April chill at Sarajevo airport.

Later, speaking while seated before shell-damaged stained-glass windows in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, he denounced the ``crazed logic of death, division and annihilation'' while praising those who ``strove to break down the dividing wall.''

In addition to the presumed threat on his life, there were other reminders of the ethnic and nationalistic rivalries that exploded into war with the breakup of Yugoslavia.

The Serbian representative of the three-member presidency did not join his Muslim and Croat colleagues at the airport welcome, telling the Vatican he was worried about security. He will meet the pope separately this morning.

Religious and political leaders greeted the pontiff, including Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovic and Roman Catholic Cardinal Vinko Puljic.

The explosives under the bridge were removed safely. There was no indication who planted the devices, but there has been a series of explosions at churches and mosques in Bosnia in recent weeks. Officials have said they appeared to be an effort to heighten tensions and discourage the pope from coming.

Security was tight at the airport, where NATO helicopters circled overhead, soldiers stood watch on nearby rooftops and armored vehicles guarded key areas.

More than 11,000 police, backed by anti-sniper teams, explosives-sniffing dog teams and helicopters of the NATO-led peace force, are providing security for the pope's 25-hour visit. The highlight is a Mass at Sarajevo's Kosevo stadium this morning.

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Photo: Bosnians in traditional garb hold up soil for blessing by Pope John Paul II in Sarajevo on Saturday.

Associated Press