Below we’ve posted the President of Croatia Ivo Josipovic’s farewell address to Pope Benedict. Unfortunately, the departure ceremony was canceled due to poor weather. The farewell address was originally published on the official Croatian Papal Visit website. Your Holiness, During the past two days you have brought joy to Croatia. In the faithful throughout the ...read more

Due to inclement weather in Zagreb, the closing ceremony was canceled; but, the official Croatian Papal visit website has posted Pope Benedict’s final address and apostolic blessing for Croatia. Pope Benedict XVI praised the piety of Croatian youth and encouraged Croatians to continue to bear a fearless witness of the Risen Lord. My visit to your ...read more

During Vespers Pope Benedict XVI prayed with bishops, priests, religious and seminarians at the Cathedral, Zagreb.  The Pope also prayed at the tomb of Blessed Alojzije Viktor Stepinac, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and to St. Stephen. During his address, the Holy Father spoke of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac as a  fearless ...read more

The Regina Coeli address from the Zagreb Hippodrome, Croatia.  The Holy Father entrusts Croatian families to Mary, Mother of Christ and our Mother. Dear Brothers and Sisters! Before concluding this solemn celebration, I wish to thank you for your fervent and devout participation, through which you express your love and your commitment to the family, ...read more

Thousands of Croatian faithful gathered as the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, celebrated mass at the Zagreb Hippodrome, Croatia. The mass was celebrated under sunny skies in the open-air stadium. The sung parts of the mass were exceptionally glorifying to God! Following is the Holy Father’s homily on the occasion of the National Day of ...read more

The Holy Father addresses Croatian youth at the Prayer Vigil in Ban Josip Jelacic square. The Holy Father got an opportunity to hear two very moving personal testimonies from Croatian youths. The Holy Father also spoke about the challenges of youth: marked by a deep longing and questioning. The Holy Father says that Jesus Christ ...read more

The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI says that religion is a natural element of society as it places man in right relation with God. He spoke on the importance of our conscience. The Holy Father said that our conscience is the place in which to listen to truth and goodness. It is also the place ...read more

Upon his arrival at the international airport in Zagreb, Croatia, the Holy Father makes this joyful address on the first National Day of Croatian Catholic Families. He speaks of Croatia’s strong bonds and faithfulness to the Holy See, and the importance of family values: Mr President, Dear Brother Bishops, Distinguished Authorities, Dear Brothers and Sisters, ...read more

This weekend, Pope Benedict XVI will make his first trip to Croatia as the successor of Peter. However, as Holy See Press Office director Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, points out, it’s not his first visit to the strongly Catholic country. The Vatican spokesman offered an editorial previewing the trip on the Vatican Television program Octava ...read more

Did you know that killing raccoons is illegal in Toronto? Raccoons. Killing them. It’s against the law. Raccoons. I’m not advocating the killing of innocent animals (or guilty ones, for that matter). But really. It’s illegal? A few weeks ago I heard about a man being charged for shooting his dog. Apparently his dog was ...read more