Zagreb, July 1, 1997 (IKA) — On July 1, Archbishop Franc Rode of Ljubljana visited Archbishop Cardinal Franjo Kuharić of Zagreb at the archbishop#!s residence in Zagreb. This was Archbishop Rode#!s first visit to Zagreb and Cardinal Kuharić since being appointed archbishop of Ljubljana this year. At this meeting, the archbishop of Ljubljana expressed his gratitude to Cardinal Kuharić for his participation at his ordination in Ljubljana. Archbishop Rode emphasized that his visit should deepen and strengthen the bonds between the Catholics in Slovenia and Croatia, as well as the bonds between the two nations.
“You are our closest brother. May this brotherhood find expression in good relations, mutual respect, deep sympathy and friendship” stressed the archbishop of Ljubljana. Cardinal Kuharić thanked Archbishop Rode for his greetings and emphasized the connection between the Catholics in Croatia and Slovenia, as well as the Croatian and Slovenian nations. The two archbishops also discussed current problems and forms of mutual cooperation.