We have gathered here today in the Church of St. Mark to celebrate Croatian Statehood Day. I congratulate those present and all the citizens of Croatia on this national holiday. June 25, 1991 is a historical day for the Croatian nation and the Croatian state. Years pass but the memory of that day lives and it is our duty to transmit this memory to the coming generations. Fifteen years ago, in an atmosphere of anxiety and impending war, the Croatian Parliament proclaimed the historical declaration of the establishment of the sovereign and independent Republic of Croatia. By this act, the dream of many Croatian generations was realized, the aspirations and yearnings were fulfilled of so many who had suffered during the long centuries for the freedom and independence of the Croatian homeland. Unfortunately, there followed aggression and a period of war, during which there were great trials. Despite all the misfortunes and sufferings, ups and downs, fifteen years later we are here together in the historical Church of St. Mark, in the heart of the city of Zagreb, assembled around the altar to thank God for the gift of freedom and independence. Today we pray for all the casualties of the war, for those who invested their lives for our freedom, for all the veterans and their families.

For all of us, this fifteenth anniversary provides the occasion to remember those historical days when the Croatian state leadership, led by the first Croatian president, Dr. Franjo Tuđman, made the courageous and far-reaching decision to affirm the powerful will of the Croatian nation for an independent Croatia, despite numerous trials. On the day of the proclamation of the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Croatia, my dear predecessor, Cardinal Franjo Kuharić of blessed memory, emphasizing the importance and magnitude of that historical moment, expressing his desire for the Declaration of the Parliament of the Republic of Croatia to be “a great charter of peace and mutual respect in justice and freedom.”

Unfortunately, proponents of imperialistic and terrorist concepts and acts did not want to recognize or respect the democratically expressed will of the citizens and assaulted Croatia. Although we still feel the consequences of this assault today, we are aware of the freedom and progress that we have achieved. Despite many external and internal challenges, we are nonetheless full of hope and optimism as we contemplate the future. As believers, we build our hope and optimism first of all on our faith that God is the only genuine master of history, whose power and presence we as a nation have witnessed many times throughout history, including the recent past. Many times we have felt the finger of God and the warmth of His love, especially during the days when, from the human point of view, were hoping against hope.

Today, the Catholic Church is celebrating the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Central to this feast day is God’s love that accompanies person from the very act of creation. Its ultimate expression is in the greatest gift that God has bestowed upon humankind, in Jesus Christ. The Heart of Jesus is a symbol and image of that eternal love by which “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (Jn 3: 16). This love, as St. Paul says, has been poured out in our hearts (cf. Rom 5: 5), and therefore a person is called to love. God’s love is the gift of self. Jesus by his example demonstrates that “greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (Jn 15: 13). This love has a social dimension because it includes openness and orientation toward others. Love bears life, promotes it and in a certain manner is always in the service of life. It gives life meaning and fulfillment. A person who lacks love within himself is like a living corpse. Jesus explains his coming among us and his mission in the world from this perspective: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10: 10). Therefore, the Catholic Church, firmly relying upon Christ and faithful to his message, tirelessly attempts to place itself in the service of life and raise its voice whenever life is threatened and exposed to sundry manipulations. The topic of respect and promotion of life in our Homeland is most current and crucial in many ways. It is necessary to think and speak about it but also to act sensibly and decisively. We are confronted by the catastrophic data that the number of deaths in our Homeland exceeds the number of births. According to a very grave assessment by demographic experts, if the current trend continues there will be dramatic demographic changes with uncertain and above all negative consequences.

In this demographic crisis, we recognize the crisis in society, the crisis in the attitude toward life, children and our descendents, the crisis in the family and the crisis in the values that result in fear and flight from life. The dilemma of being for or against life is increasingly posed. This concerns two positions that are mutually exclusive. God’s invitation from the Book of Deuteronomy is more than applicable today: “See, I have set before you this day life and good, death and evil … therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him; for that means life to you and length of days” (Deut 30: 15, 19, 20).

We must all approach these questions seriously. It is necessary to recognize everything that has been done up to now for the promotion of pro-natality, population and family policies. We know that it is not at all easy to improve the situation that has developed over many years under the influence of various factors. However, since this concerns an alarming situation that cannot be deferred, it is necessary to take courageous steps, create alliances at various levels and in various segments of the society in order for us systematically and with the broadest possible consensus to approach the solution to this vital question for the future of Croatia. This question must not be burdened by various political games or petty party politics.

It concerns the general good for which all must show understanding and share responsibility. Without healthy families there cannot be a healthy society, no matter how much various sides attempt to impose other opinions. It is necessary to promote the family generously, help it and invest in it. It is possible to make positive shifts through a systematic approach, as witnessed by the examples of several European countries. I am convinced that it is possible to remedy and improve the situation in Croatia markedly. Therefore, from this place and on this day I appeal to all, let us pledge to help and protect the family and afford it a suitable place in our society.

It is necessary to create a positive atmosphere toward new life and protect the family, especially mothers. For example, we must not allow future mothers to be fired from their jobs due to pregnancy or employers to require a woman to promise that she will not become pregnant as a prerequisite for hiring. Such treatment implies profound contempt toward a person, in this case toward a woman and future mother. It is necessary to focus public attention upon such cases because they concerns the violation of one of the fundamental human rights and the trampling of the dignity of the human being. Employers who act in such a manner deserve every condemnation. Naturally, I do not want to generalize about this matter but instead I want to express due respect and recognition to those employers who behave honestly and conscientiously toward their employees. Our entire society should be sensitive to violations of human rights, wherever they occur, and the state needs effective laws to protect its citizens, especially those who are in a weak position.

Today, on Statehood Day, as I congratulate the successes achieved by Croatia on the path toward the European unity, I wish to point out that we are following negotiations for Croatia’s entry into the European Union with particular attention. Conscious of the importance and gravity of the task that must be completed, we accompany all those in positions of responsibility who participate in this work with our prayers and with the desire for them to be inspired by the Spirit of God in seeking the optimal solutions for our country and all its citizens. The path toward future community with other states and nations is a unique opportunity for us to become acquainted with and define our own identity, in order to have a share in a united Europe as a recognizable and valued subject. May this time that is before us be truly blessed, so that in harmony and unity, and most of all with responsibility, we may disclose the rich heritage of our people and regions and, aware of the values we possess, also enrich the community to which we aspire.

May the Divine Heart of Jesus bestow abundant graces and blessing upon all of Croatia, and may all our attempts on the path of good and prosperity be accompanied by the intercession of St. Joseph, the patron saint of our Homeland; the Blessed Virgin Mary, “the most faithful advocate of Croatia,” the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, and all our saints and beati. Amen.