Zagreb, (IKA) – On the occasion of the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the beatification of the Blessed Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, former archbishop of Zagreb, Croatia was visited by the secretary of state of the Holy See, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. At a meeting with the bishops of the Croatian Conference of Bishops held on September 20 in Zagreb, he conveyed the greetings, spiritual proximity and blessing of Pope Benedict XVI, stressing and confirming the bond of full communion among the Croatian Conference of Bishops, the Holy See and the Universal Church.

The cardinal said that he profoundly appreciated the pastoral initiatives and renewal projects contributing to the new evangelization, sacramental life and public life of the Croatian people. Moreover, he was convinced that the relations between the Church and state are at a high level, regulated by four agreements signed by both sides, and spoke with the bishops about several specific current questions at the national and international levels. In light of the doctrine of the Second Vatican Council, he reiterated that the Church does not act politically. “However, it is always and everywhere necessary for the Church in genuine freedom to have the right to proclaim the faith, teach its social doctrine, perform its service among people in an unhindered manner, and make moral judgments, including matters concerning political movements, when necessitated by the fundamental rights of the person or the salvation of souls. The Church uses only those means that are in keeping with the gospel and the good of all, according to various times and circumstances,” said Cardinal Bertone. In this sense, sincere and open dialogue is desirable with the political authorities in order to further the general good of the nation. While confirming that the adoption of state laws is the task of the Government and Parliament, Cardinal Bertone made it clearly known that bishops may express their opinions, even with the intention of having laws amended and improved. Furthermore, in full agreement with the Croatian bishops, he expressed the desire for suitably formed lay Catholics to undertake tasks courageously which are entrusted to them.

At a historical moment, when Croatia is on the path toward entering the European Union, the bishops expressed their agreement and confirmed their attempts to further this integration and the necessity of efforts to preserve the identity and religious, cultural and moral heritage so dear to the Croatian nation, as reported in a statement by the Press Office of the Croatian Conference of Bishops.