Pope hails fall of Berlin Wall 20 years ago

8220;The fall of the Berlin Wall is a powerful symbol of the end of totalitarian communist regimes of Eastern Europe,8221; he said.

On November 9,Germany marks 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the country8217;s reunification.

Chancellor Angela Merkel has invited all European Union leaders to attend the ceremonies to mark the anniversary.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown,Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are among those expected in Berlin for the festivities,set to climax in a 8220;freedom party8221; at Berlin8217;s Brandenburg Gate.

One world leader not likely to attend is US President Barack Obama,who will be in Asia for a summit. The United States will likely instead be represented by former president Bill Clinton.