By Tiziana Campisi
“Praised be Jesus and Mary, Hvaljen Isus i Marija.” With these words, Pope Leo XIV greeted some 10,000 Croatians gathered on the afternoon of Oct 7 in St Peter’s Square. Pilgrims from across Croatia have come to Rome for the national pilgrimage marking the Holy Year. Upon his return from Castel Gandolfo, the Pope addressed them briefly before Mass, which was celebrated by Archbishop Dražen Kutleša of Zagreb with the participation of several bishops and priests.
A living faith handed down through the centuries
The Pope said that the presence of so many pilgrims is “a clear sign of the vitality of the faith” of the Croatian people, who “through the centuries have remained steadfast in communion with the Church and faithful to the Successor of the Apostle Peter.” He noted that this witness is expressed today through families, parish communities, and associations.
“The tradition received from your forebears is a precious treasure,” the Pope said, “which you carefully preserve and are called to renew continually, always remaining open to recognising what the Holy Spirit inspires. I thank you sincerely for this fidelity, lived out in the concreteness of daily life.”
Sharing faith with the new generations
The Pope described Croatians as a people deeply rooted in their “Christian foundations,” who continue to bear witness to their love for “Christ and His Church,” even though many now “find themselves in different parts of the world, led away from their homeland by work, study, or other needs.” He encouraged the pilgrims to keep their faith alive:
“I urge you always to keep your gaze fixed on Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who guides and accompanies you, and to let yourselves be led by Him with trust and docility. Do not forget that faith grows and is strengthened when it is shared. For this reason, I invite you to transmit with joy to your children and the new generations the Christian values that have shaped your long history and your culture. In this way, you will continue to be a leaven of peace, goodness, and hope in a world torn by violence and wars—something you, too, know from your own history.”
Finally, Pope Leo XIV invoked God’s blessing on all present and entrusted the Croatian people to Mary, the Advocata fidelissima Croatiae, asking that she “protect them” and “accompany them on their daily journey.” – Vatican News
