Zagreb, (IKA) — Vice-Mayor Milan Bandic of Zagreb received participants of the International Summer University of UCIP — the International Catholic Union of the Press, on September 25 at the Dverce Palace in the Upper Town of Zagreb.
In greeting the Catholic journalists, Vice-Mayor Bandic said that they were genuine champions of the truth who fight for ethics and values in daily activity, promoting equality and respect for all people and cultures in their press reports, as stated in their program of activity.
He acquainted them with the cooperation between the City of Zagreb and the Zagreb Archdiocese. In order arrive at optimal solutions for questions affecting of the City and Archdiocese, a separate commission has been established that meets on an average of once a month, and whose work has been considered exemplary. In the following days, a meeting will be held with the highest representatives of the Church in connection with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Zagreb Metropolitan Archdiocese, and the City wishes to be included in the celebration of this important anniversary, said Mayor Bandic. He emphasized that the City of Zagreb enjoys exceptionally good relations with the Catholic Church and other religious communities that are active in its territory.
He took the opportunity to congratulate UCIP from Geneva on its 75th anniversary, wishing the participants of the Summer University a pleasant stay in Zagreb. He also congratulated the Croatian Association of Catholic Journalists, led by its president, Suzana Vrhovski, who organized this significant Summer University.
Otherwise, ten new churches are currently under construction in Zagreb. Relations with the parish priests on the terrain have been exceptionally correct, whom the municipal authorities attempt to assist via their associates in solving social and material problems, and providing for the needs of young persons. The City of Zagreb co-finances the operations of the Catholic Radio Station (programs on the prevention of all types of addiction), and also provides financial assistance to several Caritas centers. Significant funds from the municipal budget are set aside for Catholic associations in Zagreb who are engaged in providing assistance to the elderly and other vulnerable persons who are living under difficult circumstances