Rijeka, (IKA) – After the Holy Father John Paul II departed from the Rijeka airport on the island of Krk, where he had received a ceremonial welcome, the Holy Father was taken to Omisalj Harbor, accompanied by a motorcade, where he was awaited by the inhabitants of this small parish. The Holy Father was welcomed by the local pastor, Dr. Slavko Zec, and the mayor of the Municipality of Omisalj, Josip Sepcic. On the occasion of this historical event, the Municipality of Omisalj presented the Holy Father with a replica of the Breviary of Vid of Omisalj. From Omisalj Harbor, the Holy Father traveled by the catamaran Judita to the Rijeka Harbor, followed by a helicopter. The Jadrolinija catamaran Judita arrived at 6:40 p.m. in the Rijeka Harbor, where the Pope was awaited by the overjoyed local populace, Church dignitaries and the Rijeka municipal authorities, led by the mayor of Rijeka, Vojko Obersnel. Mayor Obersnel expressed a heartfelt welcome to the Pope, emphasizing that for all the people of Rijeka, it is the greatest of honors for this city to be the Pope’s home for the next five days. Mayor Obersnel welcomed the Holy Father “to a city of long and turbulent history, a city on the Rijecina River and the Adriatic Sea, a city whose inhabitants are proud of their openness, tolerance and hospitality. In Rijeka, Holy Father, the coexistence of various beliefs and philosophies is considered to be an asset. In this city, particular attention is given to the nurturing of ecumenicism, that you so tirelessly spread throughout the world,” said the mayor of Rijeka, greeting the Holy Father on behalf of all the people of Rijeka. On behalf of the city, the mayor of Rijeka presented the Pope with a sailor’s chest, as a symbol of Rijeka and its nautical traditions. At the moment of the presentation of this gift, ten white doves were released into the air, symbolizing peace. The Holy Father then traveled by Popemobile to the theological seminary in Rijeka, that will be his residence for the next five days.