Church in Croatia Preparing for John Paul II's Visit

ZAGREB, Croatia, APRIL 1, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II's forthcoming visit to Croatia is a key topic at this week's meeting of the Croatian bishops' conference.

During his June 5-9 visit to Croatia, his 100th international apostolic trip, the Pope is expected to beatify a religious, Mary of Jesus Crucified (1892-1966). She was born Maria Petkovic.

The episcopate is also studying the role of the laity in the Church in Croatia and the preparations for the Day of Catholics of Central Europe, Vatican Radio reported.

The above topics were addressed in the pastoral letter "Called to Holiness," which exhorts the Church in Croatia to more intense pastoral activity with a view to holiness.

Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. According to the 2001 census, 80% of its 5 million people are Catholic.

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1. april 2003