Zagreb, (IKA) – The Chairman of the Committee of the Archdiocese of Zagreb for Preparations for the Visit by Pope Benedict XVI to Croatia, Auxiliary Bishop Mijo Gorski, sent instructions for priests and the faithful for participating in the celebrations with the Pope. The Committee encourages and invites all the faithful who wish to participate in the celebrations with the Pope to register with their priests, in order to obtain free tickets for the celebrations. Priests will receive a sufficient number of tickets, which they will be able to distribute to everyone who wants to participate in the celebration of the Mass at the Hippodrome, even those who apply on the last day.
In connection with the registration of young people to attend the Prayer Vigil with the Pope on June 4 at Ban Josip Jelačić Square, many have already applied so that the square will be filled with young believers. Since there are still a substantial number who would like to participate, they should feel free to come to the square in front of the Zagreb cathedral, where a video wall and sound system will be installed. After the Vigil, the Pope will ride in his Popemobile through the Kaptol section of Zagreb so that those assembled there will be able to see him up close.
Tickets are not necessary for participating in the Vigil on the square in front of the cathedral. All who want to pray with the Holy Father should feel free to come there. Access to the square in front of the cathedral is possible via Kaptol Street and Stara Vlaška Street. During the encounter with the young people, there will be several programs. The young people who arrive in Zagreb earlier will be able to assemble from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Zrinski Square (Zrinjevac), around the pavilion, where there will be singing and music. Entry to Ban Jelačić Square will be possible starting at 1 p.m. The official program of the National Croatian Catholic Youth Encounter will begin at 4:30 p.m. The Holy Father will arrive at approximately 7:30 p.m. The young believers will pray with the Pope, who will address them with words of encouragement, faith and inspiration. Parking for the buses bringing the young people to the celebration will be organized at the Zagreb Fair. From there, the young people will go by foot to Ban Jelačić Square through the underground passage at the railway station. Following the Vigil at Ban Jelačić Square, they will return the same way to the Zagreb Fair. Overnight accommodations will be provided in the pavilions of the Zagreb Fair and those who spend the night there will receive a sandwich and water.
Regarding participation by the faithful in the celebration of the Mass at the Hippodrome on Sunday, June 5, the Committee requests everyone to register as soon as possible but even those who come last will not be refused. All who so desire may come to the Mass with the Pope. At the entrance to the premises, they will receive a liturgical guide from a monitor, which will enable them to follow the Mass. Areas will be reserved for the disabled and nuns in the fields near the altar at the Hippodrome. The Committee requests disabled individuals to register in person or through their association at the Secretariat of the Committee, in order for them to receive the tickets designated for them. Disabled persons coming by car can be driven by their escorts to their designated entrances. It will be possible to enter the Hippodrome starting at midnight. At around 3 a.m., the Preliminary Program will begin, filled with prayers, songs and meditative texts.
The Committee recommends that everyone should be in their places by 8 a.m. Tickets will be color-coded and marked with the number of the field. All the designated corridors for passage must be free during the Mass.

The Committee recommends that the faithful bring a head covering in the event of bright sun and a raincoat in the event of rain, preferably a disposable one. Food that will not spoil quickly may be brought. Water may be carried in transparent plastic bottles. Those who have to take medication regularly must bring it with them. Parish communities may have banners with the names of their parishes or groups, to facilitate orientation after the celebration of the Mass. During the Mass, all banners must be lowered, so as not to obstruct the view. It is permitted to carry flags of parishes, associations and movements. Flag bearers will be sent to the edge of the liturgical area, so that the flags do not obstruct the view of others. It is permitted to bring a mat for sitting, folding chairs and the like. We recommend that the faithful only bring what is absolutely necessary, so as not to slow up inspection and entry.
It is not permitted to bring alcohol, metal objects, weapons, glass bottles, umbrellas or anything else that could cause injury. Such items will be confiscated by police at the entrances to the protected area. With the exception of the banners of parishes or groups, other banners may not be brought or displayed during the celebration of the Mass. The meeting at the Hippodrome is Eucharistic and there is no place for advertising. Persons under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted to enter.
Transportation is being organized by each parish, deaconry or (arch) diocese for itself. In the vicinity of the Hippodrome, over 2,200 parking places for buses will be available. After the priests report how many buses are coming, their tickets will be delivered as well as directions to the parking places, and how to go from there to the Hippodrome. The buses will remain in their parking places. In order to help the faithful find them, the name of the parish should be visibly displayed. Parking for personal vehicles brining disabled persons will be available in the eastern part of the Zagreb Fair, next to the INA building, and for buses on Gavran Street.
Whoever comes to Zagreb by car should count on traffic being severely restricted, especially in the area around the Hippodrome. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account that the parking places will be far away. If a deaconry organizes arrival by train, this should be personally arranged with a representative of the Croatian Railways, which means at what time and from where the train is departing, the place where the pilgrims have to disembark from the train, and where they will board the train again. The Committee urges as many of the faithful of city of Zagreb as possible to come by foot. This particularly refers to New Zagreb, as well as the vicinity of the Hippodrome. ZET buses and trolleys will be running in the morning and afternoon hours on the rush hour schedule for weekdays.
At both Ban Jelačić Square and the Hippodrome, health care will be provided by a team of physicians and nurses. Field hospitals will be set up next to the celebration venues and nurses, including nuns, will be deployed among the faithful. They will be wearing visible identification. In case of need, they will be happy to help you.
On the tickets received by the faithful, places for emergency treatment, lavatories and other facilities will be indicated. Approximately 1,000 volunteer monitors will provide their assistance in order for the celebrations to be successful.
Regarding the Pope’s welcome on the streets of Zagreb, after the police announce through which streets and at what times the Holy Father will pass in his Popemobile, the Committee invites the faithful to stand along the streets of our beautiful Zagreb, to welcome our dear guest with their presence and in this way thank him for coming and for his encouragement.