by croatiaweek
October 8, 2025
in
Pope Leo XIV (Photo: Edgar Beltrán, The Pillar / CC BY-SA 4.0)
ZAGREB/VATICAN, 8 October 2025 (Hina) – Croatia’s long history and culture, deeply shaped by Christian values, are a source of hope and peace for the world, Pope Leo XIV told thousands of Croatian pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican on Tuesday.
“Faith grows and strengthens when it is shared,” said the Pope, urging Croats to pass on their Christian heritage to younger generations.
“In doing so, you will continue to be the leaven of peace, goodness, and hope in a world torn by violence and war – something you too know from your own history.”
The gathering marked the Jubilee Croatian National Pilgrimage to Rome, taking place from 5 to 12 October. Pilgrims from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Croatian diaspora joined in prayer and celebration.
“I know that many of you live far from your homeland – for work, study, or other reasons – but wherever you are, remain connected to your Christian roots,” Pope Leo XIV said.
Welcoming around ten thousand Croats to St Peter’s Square, the Pope praised the nation’s steadfast faith throughout the centuries.
“Your faith has not remained anchored in the past but continues to bear fruit today,” he said.
The Catholic Church celebrates a Jubilee Year every 25 years, a time traditionally dedicated to forgiveness, renewal, and repentance.
“This year’s Jubilee carries the motto ‘Hope Does Not Disappoint’, calling the Church’s 1.4 billion members worldwide to become ‘pilgrims of hope’,” explained Fr Tomislav Glavnik, Director of Caritas Croatia.
Following the Pope’s address, Zagreb Archbishop Dražen Kutleša, who also serves as President of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference, celebrated Mass in Croatian.
This is the first Jubilee in over three centuries proclaimed by one pope and continued by another. Pope Francis inaugurated it on Christmas Eve last year but passed away in April. His successor, Pope Leo XIV – the first American pontiff – has largely followed his predecessor’s teachings.
Since taking office on 18 May, Pope Leo XIV has been outspoken on social and moral issues, criticising capitalist greed and advocating for the poor, migrants, and victims of war.
He has also called attention to the devastation caused by climate change and expressed strong support for the Palestinian people, while offering the Vatican as a venue for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Croatian Presence in the Vatican
Croatia’s Minister of Culture and Media, Nina Obuljen Koržinek, attended the event as head of the Government’s Commission for Religious Communities and representative of the Croatian government.
At the close of his address, Pope Leo XIV imparted his Apostolic Blessing to all Croatians, both present and abroad, as a sign of the Holy See’s closeness and care.