Pope hails Croatian families on pilgrimage
The 83-year-old pope, outside the Vatican on a Pentecost yesterday for the first time as he continued his 100th foreign pilgrimage, encouraged young Croats to marry, raise families and help their children overcome temptations and walk "the path that leads to authentic joy".
"You are an important part of society and the church," John Paul told families among at least 100,000 pilgrims gathered at the Adriatic port of Rijeka, some of whom spent the night lighting candles and praying.
