Statement by the Justice and Peace Commission of the Croatian Conference of Bishops.

The Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanić, sent a letter of congratulations to the Croatian national soccer team and its head coach, Zlatko Dalić.

In a statement issued to Croatian Catholic Radio, Archbishop Đuro Hranić emphasized that the Croatian national soccer team provided a powerful lesson: when we are united, when we know how to be humble, when we do not argue, when we support each other, there is much that we can do together and there are such riches concealed in our people, in the Croatian citizens. This encourages us not to wait for ideal conditions but, with effort and diligence, to create a new atmosphere and be a wholesome alternative.

Archbishop Marin Barišić of Split-Makarska commented on Croatian Catholic Radio about the Croatian national soccer team's silver medal at the FIFA World Cup in Russia, and the joy and pride felt throughout Croatia.

For his many years of promoting friendly relations and cooperation with the Italian national minority in the city of Rijeka.

On July 12, the President of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Archbishop Želimir Puljić of Zadar, congratulated the Croatian national soccer team and its coach, Zlatko Dalić. "I send you my heartfelt congratulations and want you to play in the finals that will crown your efforts, practices and teamwork with the same fervor, competence and enthusiasm, but also with modesty and humility," said the archbishop.

On the occasion of the relocation of the Croatian Catholic Radio station to the new headquarters of the Croatian Conference of Bishops on Ksaver Street and its integration into the Croatian Catholic Network, the President of the CCB, Archbishop Želimir Puljić of Zadar; the President of the Council of the CCB for the Media, Archbishop Ivan Devčić of Rijeka; Anita Malenica of the Agency for Electronic Media; the Director of the Croatian Catholic Network, Msgr. Fabijan Svalina; and the Editor-in-Chief, Siniša Kovačić, were guests on a program broadcast on July 7 by Croatian Catholic Radio.

The president and secretary of the Justice and Peace Commission, Archbishop Đuro Hranić of Đakovo-Osijek and Dr. Vladimir Dugalić, presented a statement, Conscience: The Guardian of Human Dignity and Freedom, on June 18 at the headquarters of the Croatian Conference of Bishops in Zagreb.

Let us continue to be pilgrims to the Stone Gate that safeguards Mary's presence for the Church of Zagreb, for the city of Zagreb, and for all the people who venerate and invoke her as the Queen of the Croats, said Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, who, at the invitation of Cardinal Josip Bozanić, conducted Mass on May 30 in celebration of the feast of the patron saint of the city of Zagreb.