Statement by the Justitia et Pax Commission of the Croatian Conference of Bishops

Statement by the Press Office of the Croatian Conference of Bishops

Message from the Bishops of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Lovran, October 21, 2010

In reference to our political reality, the bishops point out that it is painful to observe the sterile and complacent lack of political gravitas that transforms serious topics and actual national interests into tasteless debates, without apparent concern for the future, that we need economic advancement based upon the natural resources that have been given to us and that it is necessary for us to educate children, support families and preserve our national treasures.

At the session, among other things, the bishops discussed the Plenary Assembly of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences held recently in Zagreb, an appendix to the Ratio Studiorum of a document on the formation of candidates for the priesthood, Catholic Social Week, and also a proposal to initiate the canonization process for priests and religious killed during the era of the totalitarian regimes of the 20th century.

More than ever, today's world need witnesses to the truth of the gospel, said Archbishop Mamberti.

They agreed that the relations between the Republic of Croatia and the Holy See based upon cooperation agreements are generally excellent.

"From my heart, I wish Croatia continued progress in both the material and spiritual areas," said the Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States.