Zagreb (IKA) – On October 4, the president of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, the archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanić, sent congratulations to the premier of the Government of Croatia, Dr. Ivo Sanader, on the occasion of the beginning of accession negotiations between the Republic of Croatia and the European Union.

I received the news of today’s opening of accession negotiations for the entry of the Republic of Croatia into full membership in the European Union with joy. I sincerely congratulate you personally, and also congratulate the entire Croatian Government, as well as all who contributed to the realization of this goal in any way.
Our entire history testifies that in terms of religion, culture and economics, we belong to the European community of nations. Therefore, the aspirations are justifiable that the Republic of Croatia will find its place in the European Union that is coming into being.
We are convinced, as the late Pope John Paul II of blessed memory pointed out on his third pilgrimage to our country in 2003, that the rich heritage of Croatia will certainly contribute to strengthening the Union, whether as an administrative and territorial entity or as a cultural and spiritual reality.
As believers, we pray to the Lord to bestow wisdom and prudence upon those who perform the responsible office of conducting negotiations so that they will recognize the riches and specific qualities of our nation and homeland and, as a valuable heritage, protect them in our common European home.
May this historical achievement be for the good and benefit of all the citizens of our beautiful homeland. May our march toward the community of European nations be accompanied by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our most faithful mother and advocate of Croatia; St. Joseph, the patron saint of our homeland; the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, the most brilliant figure of the Church of God among the Croatian nation, and St. Francis of Assisi, on whose feast day the negotiations are beginning, emphasized the president of the Croatian Conference of Bishops.