Pope Francis met with President Ivo Josipović of Croatia at the Vatican Apostolic Palace this morning. The Head of State later me with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.
According to a communique released by the Holy See Press Office, mention was made of Croatia’s Catholic tradition as well as satisfaction of the good relations between the two states. Relations were “consolidated by four current Agreements promoting collaboration between the Church and the State for the common good of Croatian society.”
“The Parties went on to express their satisfaction at the entry of Croatia into the European Union and several themes of common interest emerged,” the communique stated. “Mention was made of the challenges that the country must face during the current economic crisis, as well as the regional context, with special reference to the situation of Croatians in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the current international situation, particularly those affecting Christian communities in the world.
