Zagreb, (IKA) – The Vatican supports the “specific” role of Croatia in the European Union and NATO, and respects the devotion of the Croatian nation to the tradition of Christianity, said the secretary of state of the Holy See, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, after a meeting on Friday, September 19, with the prime minister of Croatia, Dr. Ivo Sanader.
In a joint statement following the meeting, Prime Minister Sanader recalled that the Vatican was the first to recognize Croatia, two days before the European Union, whereby it “violated tradition,” for which Croatia is grateful. Cardinal Bertone spoke on Friday with the prime minister within the framework of his four-day pastoral visit to Croatia. He and Prime Minister Sanader confirmed that the Vatican supports Croatia’s path to the European Union and NATO. “The Holy See recognizes and completely supports the specific and original role of Croatia in the European Union and NATO,” said Cardinal Bertone. Within the circle of the countries of central and southeast Europe, Croatia can have a large role as a driving force toward justice, solidarity and peaceful co-existence, but also the role of a mediator in international disputes, explained the cardinal. The visit by the secretary of state of the Holy See on the tenth anniversary of the beatification of Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac is also “evidence of an excellent relationship with Croatia,” emphasized Prime Minister Sanader. Cardinal Bertone noted that the Holy See “respects the Croatian nation due to its devotion to the great tradition of Christianity.” In the three pastoral visits by Pope John Paul II to Croatia, Prime Minister Sanader also sees evidence of “gratitude for the fidelity of the Croatian nation to the Holy See over the centuries.”