Pope Leo received in an audience the Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković at the Apostolic Palace. Just one day before, Prime Minister Plenković met with the Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Msgr. Mihăiță Blaj, Undersecretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions held at the Secretariat of State, the parties expressed their satisfaction with the good relations between the State and the local Church, as well as the intention to further develop cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The conversation continued with an exchange of views on several matters, with particular attention given to regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and to the conflict in Ukraine, the Holy See Press Office reported.

Speaking to reporters after the audience with the Holy Father, Plenković stated that they had discussed “the relations between Croatia and the Holy See, their centuries-old connection, the role of the Catholic Church in Croatian identity, our tradition and faith, and everything that has sustained the Croatian people throughout the centuries,” adding that they had expressed the hope “that these relations will continue to be further strengthened during his pontificate.”

During his meeting with the Pope, the Prime Minister highlighted the “excellent and structured relations” that the Government and the State maintain with the Croatian Bishops’ Conference. He explained that they engage in regular dialogue on all matters important to the Church, while also frequently addressing broader social issues. This dialogue is very useful and beneficial for gaining a broader insight into the needs of Croatian society, he noted.