POPE FRANCIS RECEIVES THE PRESIDENT OF CROATIA

Vatican City, 10 October 2013 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Holy Father Francis received in audience Ivo Josipović, president of the Republic of Croatia, who subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, and after making reference to Croatia’s long Catholic tradition, satisfaction was expressed with regard to the good bilateral relations, 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. 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.

Finally, reference was made to the international situation, with particular attention to the condition of Christian Communities throughout the world.