Zagreb (IKA) – The Croatian bishops assembled at the spring plenary session, from May 11 to 13 in Zagreb, issued a message to the faithful and citizens of the Republic of Croatia on the eve of the election for the members of the representational bodies of the units of local and regional self-management, to be held on Pentecost, May 15.

The bishops note that although public attention in our country and the world has focused on the death and funeral of Pope John Paul II and the election of his successor, Pope Benedict XVI, not for one moment have they forgotten the conditions in our homeland in which, at the urging of the Pope of blessed memory, they want to participate responsibly in forming the future. They remind the faithful and all citizens that participation in the elections is not merely the exercise of personal rights but also an obligation, and urge them in the name of responsibility for the future of their own families, their locality, city and county, to exercise their civil rights and vote in the elections. “Who does not fulfill this duty is irresponsibly leaving it to others to decide questions that concern our common future,” state the Croatian bishops, noting that it necessary to know whom to vote for.

“Croatian citizens justifiably expect that those to whom they entrust their confidence will strive honestly, selflessly and with self-sacrifice to create working and other prerequisites for improving the material circumstances of all the levels of society, particularly families, the young and retired persons. However, man does not live by bread alone. He is also a spiritual being. In connection with his future, his spiritual values should also be respected. Since political activity should promote the general good, and as such represents an honorable and necessary service to the community, it is anticipated that those who are candidates for such service should also possess moral virtues, in additional to their professional qualifications. Therefore, it is necessary to elect those who value moral rectitude and honesty, sacrifice and responsibility in the performance of undertaken duties, love of truth and fidelity to promises, solidarity and righteousness. It is also to be expected that candidates in the elections should be sensitive to national interests and national identity, and demonstrate particular concern for human dignity, respect for human life from natural conception to natural death, as well as the rights of every person, particularly the weak and endangered,” write the Croatian bishops at the conclusion of their message on the eve of the forthcoming elections for the members of the representative bodies of the units of local and regional self-management.