Statement by the Croatian bishops on the occasion of the opening of accession negotiations for entry by the Republic of Croatia into full membership in the European Union

The bishops issued a special statement on the occasion of the beginning of the accession negotiations for entry by the Republic of Croatia into full membership in the European Union.

Archbishop Hočevar of Belgrade emphasized the human, priestly and musical qualities of the late Pater Kilbertus at a Requiem Mass in Zagreb.

As believers, we pray to the Lord to bestow wisdom and prudence upon those who perform the responsible office of conducting negotiations so that they will recognize the riches and specific qualities of our nation and homeland and protect them in our common European home as a valuable heritage.

The Slovenian, Croatian and European spiritual and cultural community has grown from deep Christian roots. Christ is the ongoing inspiration for us to build our community and cooperate with him in our Nazarene family of European peoples, emphasized Archbishop Barišić at a celebration of the Mass at the Shrine of Marija Pomagaj (Mary of Perpetual Help) at which over 7,000 Croatian and Slovenian pilgrims assembled.

Presentation by Željko Tanjić and Gordan Črpić at the General Assembly of Justice and Peace Europe, Lisabon - September 23-25, 2005

“We refute the accusations made by Mrs. Carla Del Ponte against the Holy See and the Catholic Church in Croatia in their entirety and are of the opinion that they put forward a whole series of unacceptable theories that would even seem extraordinary for a colloquial conversation, not to mention for the high authority that she represents.”