Zagreb, (IKA) – The Subcommittee of the Croatian Conference of Bishops for the Content of the Preparatory Period and Program Prior to the Celebration of the Mass with Pope Benedict XVI issued an invitation for families to meet with the Pope.

“We invite the faithful and people of good will to participate in the largest numbers possible with joyful hearts in one of the greatest events of this decade for Croatia. We are going to be visited by the most famous man in the world, the sole moral authority and leading intellectual of today, the builder of Europe and promoter of peace among nations. A friend of Croatia, a great champion of the family, a lover of life, a supporter of the rights of the faithful in public life, the most faithful associate and successor of Pope John Paul II. The head of the Catholic Church – Pope Benedict XVI. He is coming to offer his hand to the child, boy and girl, mother and father, grandmother and grandfather – every Croatian family. He, the successor of Peter, will celebrate the first encounter of Catholic families with us! He will pray at the tomb of the great martyr, the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac.

Pope Benedict XVI is coming to walk in the footsteps of his “beloved predecessor,” encourage us and strengthen the light of faith among our people. If you agree that marriage is a union between one man and one woman, if you agree that a believer has the right to appear in public, then come, let us show our welcome and support for a man who defends the true human values.

A billion people believe Benedict XVI, everyone comes to him. Now he is coming to us – to Croatia, to Zagreb – on Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5. Let us be a part of the historical encounter of Croatian families with Pope Benedict XVI at the Zagreb Hippodrome on Sunday, June 5. A prayer vigil will begin at 3 a.m. and the celebration of the Mass with the Pope will begin at 10 a.m. Apply for tickets at your parish offices,” reads the invitation, which is signed by the President of the Subcommittee and President of the Council for the Family of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Bishop Valter Župan of Krk.