Pope in Zagreb, Croatia.

(June, 04, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI is on his 19^th foreign pastoral voyage, and his first as Pope, to Croatia, where nearly 90% of the 4,4 million people is Catholic He landed in Zagreb the capital after an hour and half flight from Rome, which he left at 9,30 in the morning of. Saturday. He will be spending the two days in Zagreb mainly to celebrate the First National Day of Croatian Catholic Families. Replying to the warm welcome accorded him in Zagreb, the Pope recalled the three pastoral visits to Croatia made by his predecessor, Blessed John Paul II, and also remembered with gratitude Croatia’s bonds of with the Holy See, for over thirteen centuries, during which they had been put to the test and strengthened in circumstances that were sometimes difficult and painful. This was an eloquent testimony to the Croatian people’s love for the Gospel and the Church. And as a part of Europe from its earliest days Croatia had contributed to forge the spiritual and moral values of the old continent. The Pope expressed the fervent wish that Croatia, in the strength of its rich tradition, may help to steer the European Union towards a fuller appreciation of those spiritual and cultural treasures which the church in Europe has always upheld.. Pope Benedict did not fail to invoke the intercession and assistance of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, the beloved and venerable Shepherd of Croatia. The Pope’s first day in the land will climax with the prayer vigil with the youth beginning at 9,30 p.m. Saturday. He will be returning to Rome practically 24 hours later after a memorable Sunday in Croatia.