Pope Leo XIV says "I invite you to joyfully pass on to your children and to future generations...Christian values" - "be a leaven of peace"
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“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 7 October 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.
GREETING OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV
TO THE PILGRIMS OF CROATIA
in the Vatican's St. Peter's Square on
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
____________________________________
In nome Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.
Pax vobis!
Praise be to Jesus and Mary, Hvaljen Isus i Marija!
Dear Croatian pilgrims,
I welcome you with great joy to Saint Peter's Square, where you have gathered on the occasion of the national pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year. Your large and prayerful presence is an eloquent sign of the vitality of the faith of your people, who throughout the centuries have remained steadfast in communion with the Church and faithful to the Successor of the Apostle Peter.
It is a source of profound consolation to note that the roots of your faith have not remained stagnant in the past, but continue to bear fruit today, thanks to the witness of your families, your parish communities, and your associations. The tradition inherited from your forefathers is a precious treasure, which you carefully guard and which you are called to continually renew, always remaining open to recognizing what the Holy Spirit inspires.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this faithfulness, lived in the concreteness of your daily lives. I know well that many of you are in different parts of the world, far from your homeland, from work, from study, or from other needs; but wherever you are, remain connected to your Christian roots and offer the witness of a people who love Christ and his Church. This coherence of life is a Gospel word more eloquent than many speeches.
I encourage you to always 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 obedience. Do not forget that faith grows and strengthens when shared: therefore, I invite you to joyfully pass on to your children and to future 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 apart by violence and war, which you too know from your own history.
May the Lord bless you, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom you invoke as Advocata fidelissima Croatiae , protect you under her mantle and accompany you on your daily journey. To you present here, to your families, to all your loved ones, and to all the Croatian people, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing, a sign of the Pope's closeness and affection for each of you.
Oremus: Pater Noster…
Blessing
TO THE PILGRIMS OF CROATIA
in the Vatican's St. Peter's Square on
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
____________________________________
In nome Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.
Pax vobis!
Praise be to Jesus and Mary, Hvaljen Isus i Marija!
Dear Croatian pilgrims,
I welcome you with great joy to Saint Peter's Square, where you have gathered on the occasion of the national pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year. Your large and prayerful presence is an eloquent sign of the vitality of the faith of your people, who throughout the centuries have remained steadfast in communion with the Church and faithful to the Successor of the Apostle Peter.
It is a source of profound consolation to note that the roots of your faith have not remained stagnant in the past, but continue to bear fruit today, thanks to the witness of your families, your parish communities, and your associations. The tradition inherited from your forefathers is a precious treasure, which you carefully guard and which you are called to continually renew, always remaining open to recognizing what the Holy Spirit inspires.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this faithfulness, lived in the concreteness of your daily lives. I know well that many of you are in different parts of the world, far from your homeland, from work, from study, or from other needs; but wherever you are, remain connected to your Christian roots and offer the witness of a people who love Christ and his Church. This coherence of life is a Gospel word more eloquent than many speeches.
I encourage you to always 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 obedience. Do not forget that faith grows and strengthens when shared: therefore, I invite you to joyfully pass on to your children and to future 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 apart by violence and war, which you too know from your own history.
May the Lord bless you, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom you invoke as Advocata fidelissima Croatiae , protect you under her mantle and accompany you on your daily journey. To you present here, to your families, to all your loved ones, and to all the Croatian people, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing, a sign of the Pope's closeness and affection for each of you.
Oremus: Pater Noster…
Blessing
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