Zagreb, (IKA) – On July 19, the Apostolic Nuncio to Croatia, Archbishop Alessandro D’Errico, together with his associates Msgr. Mauro Lalli and Fr. Ivica Hadaš, visited the Islamic Center in Zagreb where they were received by Mufti Prof. Dr. Aziz Hasanović and his associates, Prof. Mevludin Arslani, head of the Dr. Ahmed Smajlović Islamic Secondary School in Zagreb, and Nermin Botonjić, Secretary of the Meshihat and chief of the Mufti’s cabinet.
Nuncio D’Errico and Muft Hasanović had a long and cordial conversation in the library of the Islamic Center. The Papal Nuncio congratulated Mufti Hasanović on his appointment, and Mufti Hasanović congratulated the Nuncio on his previous diplomatic work in Pakistan, Afghanistan and especially his six-year mandate in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mufti Hasanović and Archbishop D’Errico agreed that cooperation between the two great religions must be built upon what they have in common, rather than upon differences. In statements to the media after their conversation, they particularly emphasized their mutual respect and appreciation.
After the official part of the visit, the Nuncio expressed the desire to visit the Zagreb Mosque. In addition, Mufti Hasanović also showed the nuncio the Memorial Park of Croatian Shahids (Witnesses/Martyrs), who incorporated their lives into the foundations of Croatian independence and freedom. After the Mufti briefly explained the role of Muslims in the Croatian Homeland War, Archbishop D’Errico expressed his admiration for the sacrifices of the Croatian shahids and was especially delighted by the appearance of the monument, as reported on the website of the Islamic Community in Croatia.