Pope arrives in Croatia for 100th pilgrimage
Frail but determined, Pope John Paul arrived in Croatia today to begin his landmark 100th pilgrimage.
The 83-year-old pontiff’s plane landed at an Adriatic island airport where the Croatian president and top church leaders waited to greet him.
A high speed catamaran was on hand to take him across the bay to Rijeka harbour to greet pilgrims massing on the docks.
Earlier, as he boarded the Alitalia flight in Rome, John Paul had difficulty walking and had to be helped by aides onto a special lift he uses to get on and off aircraft.
The Italian airline presented the Pope with a special cake in honour of his 100th trip.
John Paul’s five-day visit, which gets into full swing tomorrow with a visit to the war-battered southern coastal resort of Dubrovnik, will test anew his ability to overcome his advanced age, Parkinson’s disease, hip and knee troubles and balmy summer weather.
The Pope did not hide his affection for the overwhelmingly Catholic country, offering Croats a blessing “with all my heart” on the eve of his departure from Rome and asking for their prayers.
They were quick to answer with deep appreciation for being chosen as the venue for the historic trip.
“It shows how much the Holy Father cherishes Croatia, its church and its people,” said Ivan Devcic, bishop of the Adriatic port city of Rijeka, which will serve as a base for the pope and his entourage.
About 80% of Croatia’s 4.5 million people are Roman Catholics, and the Vatican was among the first to recognise the country’s statehood in January 1992, six months after it declared independence from Yugoslavia.
