Zagreb, (IKA) – The central event of the visit by Pope Benedict XVI to Croatia has begun, the celebration of Mass in the Hippodrome, on the occasion of the First Encounter of Croatian Catholic Families. The Pope arrived at the Hippodrome by Popemobile. He was greeted joyfully by a multitude of pilgrims waving Vatican and Croatian flags. Together with the Pope, the Mass is being concelebrated by approximately 70 bishops from Croatia and abroad as well as approximately 1,200 priests. Following the entrance antiphon, the Pope was welcomed by the Archbishop and Metropolitan of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanić. “Holy Father, you are coming to us to strengthen us in faith. And we receive you in faith. Thank you for this visit, by which you responded to our repeated requests and, thus, have expressed your pastoral concern for the Church in Croatia. We thank you for everything you are doing for us, for the love that you are showing us. You are acquainted with this Croatian nation, its long-suffering journey through history, its Christian roots and fruits. You have always shown your esteem for Croatian Catholics. You have encountered them on their life journey as they bore witness to their devotion to the Church, Our Lady and the successors of Peter,” said Cardinal Bozanić as he welcomed the Pope, remarking, “It is wonderful that on this day the celebration of our faith and ecclesiasticism are merged with the First Encounter of Croatian Catholic Families.” The Cardinal noted that it is clearly evident that the Christian family always finds its identity and renewal in the Mystery of Christ and the Mystery of the Church. “Desiring to respond to the challenges that are currently testing the values of the family and the exalted dignity of life, this year, with the motto ‘Together in Christ,’ we have focused our pastoral efforts and concern upon the family. This encounter is the crown of these attempts and will provide incentive for new momentum and efforts for the family as the most sacred institution of a healthy society. Holy Father, we are confident that your presence and words will provide encouragement to all families, especially those who suffer, and to all the young people to whom the responsibility for the future of the Church and society has been entrusted through the gift of life in a Christian family,” said the Cardinal to the Pope.