Pope Francis meets President of Republic of Croatia

October 10, 2013: The Holy See's Press Office has issued a statement regarding this morning's papal audience with Croatia's President. The Pope received the Croatian leader in the Vatican.

Below we publish the Vatican Press Office statement:

This morning, Thursday 10 October 2013, the Holy Father Francis received in audience in the Apostolic Palace His Excellency 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.