Father Lombardi SJ comments on Day 1 in Croatia

The spokesman for the Holy See, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi , comments on Benedict XVI's first day of his Apostolic visit to Croatia.

In this interview with Tracey McClure Father Lombardi remarks how while at the heart of this visit are issues connected to youth, education and the family, also worthy of note are those connected to Croatia's Christian roots: its potential contribution to the European community with its wealth of traditions going back to a centuries old legacy of faith and culture.

Father Lombardi also points to the meaning of this visit, at a time in history marking twenty years after this nation's gaining independance, when it stands in line to join the European Union amid the doubts of many Croatians.

Remarking how Benedict XVI spoke very clearly in this regard offering words of encouragement , both during the traditional press conference on the aeroplane which brought him to the nation's capital Zagreb and in his speeches on the first day of this weekend visit.


All this and more, including a comment on the prayer vigil with young people in Traceys' interview with Father Lombardi. One in which he has special words for the benefit of English listeners as he links the Pope's words, in Zagreb on Saturday regarding conscience, to Newman.

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