CROATIA, A LAND MARKED BY INTREPID WITNESSES TO THE GOSPEL

VATICAN CITY, JUN 4, 2003 (VIS) - In his multi-language greetings to the 20,000 pilgrims assembled in St. Peter's Square for today's general audience, Pope John Paul spoke of Blessed Pope John XXIII, who had been the focus of his weekly catechesis. He also highlighted his trip to Croatia that starts tomorrow and is the 100th foreign trip of his almost 25-year papacy, addressing Croatians present in their own language.
Noting that yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the death of his predecessor, whom he beatified on September 3, 2000, the Holy Father reminded pilgrims that John XXIII initiated Vatican Council II, saying "this work was born of his deep pastoral concern for Church affairs, which marked his entire life. His motto was: 'Ecce adsum!' Here I am, ready. Precisely in this spirit of total dedication to Christ and the Church, he built his own holiness and brought holiness to others. May his protection and intercession accompany you always."

"Tomorrow," the Pope then stated, "I undertake with great hope my third trip to Croatia, a land marked by the testimony of intrepid disciples of the Gospel. My aim is to confirm in the faith my brothers and sisters of the Catholic community who, at the time of religious persecution, remained faithful to Christ and did not fear facing the challenges of the present moment to continue to announce Him with courage."

He added that "in these 13 years of reacquired independence (Croatians) have consolidated ecclesial structures and now are dedicating themselves ever more to an incisive evangelizing action. Dear brothers and sisters, I invite you to accompany me in prayer. I entrust this 100th apostolic trip of mine to the Virgin Mary, so venerated in Croatia, that she may guide my steps and obtain for the Croatian people a renewed springtime of faith and civil progress."

Pope John Paul also greeted, "with special affection the handicapped persons who have gathered in Rome in the context of the European Year of the Handicapped, especially the participants in the Summer Special Olympics and the large group from the Don Orione Work from diverse regions."

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