Rome, (IKA) – The Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanić, greeted Pope Francis last night after his election, recalling an encounter with him in Argentina, which the Holy Father remembered, and seeking a blessing for Croatia and the entire Croatian nation, which the Pope gladly bestowed. The Pope said that he also commends himself and his pontificate to the prayers of the Croatian faithful.
In a statement for Croatian Catholic Radio, Cardinal Bozanić said that the new Pope was excited and shaken after the election. For him, this is a special act, when he must submit to the will of God and accept what God expects of him. This is felt in the signs he has given and in his words, but we also felt the Pope’s great certainty of faith, said the cardinal. He said that the new Pope in personal contacts is very approachable, very simple and attentive to the other person.
In response to the question whether Pope Francis will come to Croatia, the cardinal answered: “We’d like that. Everything in its own time.”
When asked how the faithful in Croatia should react these days, Cardinal Bozanić said that the Pope wants people to pray for him. He wants people to pray for God to help him in his importance office in the Church, said Cardinal Bozanić.