The Catholics in Croatia are not afraid of any public debate or criticism but cannot accept the tacit acceptance of their being disparaged without response from the competent institutions

"I am particularly delighted because the project came from the lay faithful, who make up the vast majority of the Church. This initiative reflects an awareness of the responsibility of our believers to assume their place in the life of the Church," said Archbishop Devčić.

The Pope's visit is a historical event of great importance for strengthening unity in the family, society and nation

The Pope dedicated the central part of his address to the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, noting that "his martyrdom signals the culmination of the violence perpetrated against the Church during the terrible period of communist persecution. Croatian Catholics, and in particular the clergy, were objects of oppression and systematic abuse, aimed at destroying the Catholic Church, beginning with its highest Authority in this place" but, nevertheless, "such a hardened regime could not make the Church bow down."

The Director of the Holy See Press Office on the day's events during the Pope's visit to Croatia and the themes of his addresses. He particularly noted the exceptional welcome shown to the Pope by the people and the government officials and presented figures that 50,000 of the faithful participated in the prayer vigil of young people and that 400,000 were at the Hippodrome for the celebration of the Mass.