Vatican (IKA) – Cardinal Josip Bozanić, who participated in the election of Pope Benedict XVI, issued a statement to our agency: “Let us thank God for the gift of the Holy Father. I am profoundly convinced that in Pope Benedict XVI we again have a Holy Father who is well acquainted with the Croatian nation and the Catholic Church within it.”

Cardinal Bozanić informed us about his first encounter with the newly elected Pope Benedict XVI:

“Yesterday, after the election of the Holy Father, the cardinals came up to the new Pope, one at a time, to express their respect and devotion. When I approached the Holy Father, he spoke first and said: ‘Your Eminence, I warmly greet the Croatian nation and dear Croatia that is always faithful.’ To this I replied: ‘Holy Father, the Croatian nation shall accompany you with prayers and love.’ The Holy Father replied: ‘Thank you very much. That is what I need the most.’”