Croatia Prepares for Pope’s Third Visit
ZAGREB, Croatia – Croatia will plan carefully to ensure that the third pilgrimage of Pope John Paul II goes smoothly, Prime Minister Ivica Racan said Tuesday. The government would use “all resources at hand to ensure that the Holy Father’s visit is realized in the best possible manner,” Racan told Vatican officials visiting the capital.
The Vatican last month announced that the pontiff planned to visit the Croatian cities of Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Zadar and Djakovo this spring. A date was not supplied, but Croatian media, citing anonymous sources close to the Vatican, reported the visit would take place June 5-8.
The pope is expected to beatify Maria Di Gesu Crocifisso Petkovic and Ivan Merz during his tour, Vatican officials said.
The pilgrimage was originally planned for last year, but was delayed because the beatification cases were not completed, Vatican officials said. The pope has previously visited the capital, Zagreb, and the seaside city of Split.