Vatican City, May 31, 2011 / 13:21 pm
Pope Benedict XVI will focus on the family during his two day visit to Croatia next month. Plans for his visit were unveiled today, May 31.
The visit to the Eastern European nation will take place on Saturday and Sunday June 4-5.
On the Sunday, the Pope will preside over the Day of Croatian Families. The event is expected to draw over 300,000 to a racetrack venue in the capital city of Zagreb.
“Today, Croatia faces the challenge of secularization: the family and youth are crucial challenges it has to deal with. That’s why the central events of the Pope’s trip are his participation in the meeting with Croatian Catholic Families, and with young people,” Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi, S.J., told Vatican Radio.
“The Church relies on Christ to support the unity and mission of the family and to fuel hope for the future of young people. This is how it serves the human community in general, and the national community of Croatia,” said Fr. Lombardi.