I have scoured the internet and watched the news... the Pope NEVER said year 2000 was the first year of the third millennium! Some CNN reporter characterized his speech as such. The Pope decreed that year 2000 is Jubilee Year, the 2000th year of Christ's life. They will celebrate his 2000th birthday at the END of that year, like all birthdays are celebrated. When 2000 years are PAST!