POPE ARRIVES IN SPLIT

( Editorial: --> 5478 ) SPLIT, Oct 4 (Hina) - Pope John Paul II at 9.30am on Sunday landed in the southern Croatian port of Split, where he will celebrate Eucharist on the occasion of the town's 1700th anniversary. The landing was accompanied by the tolling of bells in Split churches. The Holy Father was welcomed by Split-Makarska Archbishop Ante Juric, who introduced him to the hosts - Split-Dalmatia County Prefect Branimir Luksic, Split Mayor Ivica Skaric, and the Mayors of Trogir, Solin and Kastele, three towns through which the Pope will pass on his way to Znjan, where Mass will be celebrated. The Pope was also introduced to Croatian Navy commander Admiral Vid Stipetic, Split-Dalmatia County police head Marko Bekavac, and the chairman of the State Committee for the Pope's arrival, Jure Radic. After a brief greeting, the Holy Father headed for Znjan. At the Our Lady of the Island shrine in Solin, the Pope will meet the youth and catechists. (hina) ha 041006 MET oct 98