Zagreb, (IKA) – Pursuant to the international Agreement on Economic Issues between the Holy See and the Republic of Croatia dated October 9, 1998, every year the Catholic Church in Croatia receives a certain amount from the state budget.

On several previous occasions, at the request of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Catholic Church has relinquished a certain sum in order to make a contribution, especially during times of crisis. Again this year, at the request of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Croatian bishops responded that they were prepared to contribute the amount of 10 million HRK to defray part of the cost of transporting schoolchildren. Since an international agreement is involved, relinquishing funds requires a specific procedure, which is in progress.

With this gesture, as well as through various pastoral, educational and charitable projects, the Church wants to help families and make education as accessible as possible for children and young people, according to the statement released by the Secretariat of the Croatian Conference of Bishops.