KRK KRK, June 5 (Hina) - In the past, Christianity gave a great contribution to the development of Croatia. It can also continue to efficiently contribute to Croatia's present and future, the Holy Father said upon his arrival on the
northern Croatian island of Krk.
KRK, June 5 (Hina) - In the past, Christianity gave a great
contribution to the development of Croatia. It can also continue to
efficiently contribute to Croatia's present and future, the Holy
Father said upon his arrival on the northern Croatian island of Krk.
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After greeting all present at the airport and the entire Catholic
community in Croatia, Pope John Paul II greeted members of other
churches and religious communities and the Jewish and Islamic
faithful, and voiced his happiness to see that "on this occasion one
can bear witness to our joint endeavours aimed at building a society
in justice and mutual respect".
The pope spoke about old Christian roots of Croatia "soaked in the
blood of numerous martyrs", as he said, referring to martyrs from
the first three centuries such as Sirmium martyrs and those from the
then Roman Dalmatia, as well as to martyrs from later times and
those from the last century including the beatified Cardinal
Alojzije Stepinac.
The pope said he was happy to be able to beatify a Croatian nun,
Marija of Jesus Christ Crucified Petkovic, and he recalled the
Glagolic heritage of the island of Krk.
Speaking about the importance of Christianity for Croatia's
development, the Holy Father said "there are values such as the
dignity of persons, moral sense and intellectual integrity,
religious liberties, the defence of family, the acceptance of and
respect for the life, solidarity, competence and engagement and the
respect for minorities -- which are incorporated in the nature of
every human being, and credit went to Christianity for having
recognised them and for clearly promoting them. Those are
foundations for stability and real value of a nation," the pope said
upon his arrival in Croatia.
Voicing his wish to see the fulfilment of Croatia's aspiration to
become a part of the great family of European nations, the pope said
that "the rich heritage of Croatia will certainly contribute to the
strengthening of the Union both as an administrative and
territorial whole and as the cultural and spiritual reality".
Pope called on the country's authorities and church dignitaries
never to be tired of "healing wounds caused by the brutal war and
removing consequences of a totalitarian system, which had for much
time tried to impose ideology contrary to man and his dignity".
He stressed that Croatia had been for 13 years walking on the path of
freedom and democracy, and added that the task which should now be
done was to fortify the social stability which would create
conditions for employment, social welfare, education accessible to
every young man, removal of all forms of poverty and inequality in
an atmosphere of cordial relations with neighbouring countries.
"May God bless this country and all of its citizens," the pontiff
said at the end of his speech.
(hina) ms sb