APOSTOLIC VOYAGE
OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II
TO BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

FAREWELL CEREMONY

ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II

Plaza in front of the Most Holy Trinity Convent in Banja Luka
Sunday, 22 June 2003

Before leaving, dear Brothers and Sisters, I would like to tell everyone once again of my joy for having been able to share with you this intense moment of prayer. I thank my Brother Bishops of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the President of their Conference, Bishop Franjo Komarica of this Church. With him I thank the collaborators, ecclesial and lay, who have organized this day with the many months of hard work.

I would like also to renew my heartfelt thanks to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to the civil and military Authorities. I greatly appreciate what has been done at various levels so that my Visit could take place.

One last cordial greeting to the entire population of this beloved Country, without ethnic, cultural or religious distintion. I will have all the people of this country present, having received this afternoon the courteous visit of the Presidents of the Republic of Serbia and of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and then the Members of the Interreligious Council.

Upon all, I invoke the abundant blessings of the Most High, to whom I ask to enkindle in the hearts of each one sentiments of forgiveness, of reconciliation, of brotherhood. These are the solid foundations for a society worthy of man and acceptable to God.

Land of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Pope holds you in his heart and wishes you days full of prosperity and peace!