The Pope recalled that the main purpose of his visit was the 1st National Day of Croatian Catholic Families, which culminated with an open-air mass in Zagreb's Hipodrom race course, an event attended by a large number of believers.

In today's Europe, nations with a strong tradition of Christianity have a special responsibility in defending and promoting values of a family founded on marriage, which has a crucial role both in the educational and social fields, the Pope said, adding that that message was of special importance for Croatia, a country with a rich spiritual, ethical and cultural heritage preparing to join the European Union.

The Pope also recalled his prayer vigil with young people in Zagreb's central square, his evening prayer with Croatian bishops and the clergy in the Zagreb Cathedral, and his meeting with representatives of civil society, politicians, scientists, cultural workers, business people, diplomats and religious dignitaries at the Croatian National Theatre.