ROME, June 11 (Hina) - "Croatia will always have a privileged place in my loyalty and prayer," Pope John Paul II said at the general audience Wednesday speaking about his third pastoral visit to Croatia, which was also his 100th
apostolic journey out of Italy.
ROME, June 11 (Hina) - "Croatia will always have a privileged place
in my loyalty and prayer," Pope John Paul II said at the general
audience Wednesday speaking about his third pastoral visit to
Croatia, which was also his 100th apostolic journey out of Italy.
#L#
The pope dedicated his entire speech to his trip to Croatia,
recalling all the stages of his pastoral visit.
"I returned to the noble country of Croatia to affirm... the message
of peace and reconciliation and I had the joy to beatify sister
Marija of Jesus Crucified Petkovic," the Holy Father said.
He thanked Croatian bishops, the president, civilian and military
authorities and the Rijeka diocese for their wonderful welcome.
"During this journey I witnessed how much Christianity contributed
to the development of art, culture and, primarily, the spiritual
and moral life of Croatia and its people," the pope said.
"On these firm foundations at the beginning of the third
millennium, the dear Croatian nation will be able to continue
consolidating its cohesion and stability in order to join the union
of European nations," the pope said, adding "let God continue to
bless and protect Croatia".
(hina) lml sb