Rijeka, (IKA) – Pope John Paul II spoke with the President of the Republic of Croatia, Stjepan Mesic, at the conclusion of the first day of his third pastoral visit to Croatia. The meeting was held at the theological seminary in Rijeka, which will be the Pope’s residence for the next five days. The meeting was also attended by the secretary of state of the Holy See, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, and an official of the State Secretariat, Msgr. Martin Vidovic.
Following the Holy Father’s conversation with President Mesic, he also met briefly with President Mesic’s family members and close associates.