"We pray for a propitious exodus from present misfortunes to a brighter future"

Zagreb, March 6, 1997 (IKA) “Due to the recent bombing of Catholic churches and the desecration of graves in Bosnia, we are deeply worried and sorrowful. On behalf of the Croatian Conference of Bishops and on my own behalf, I express our sincere solidarity with you as well as Bishop Sudar, the priests, monks, nuns and faithful amidst the misfortun eceaselessly assailing the Catholic Church in Bosnia. We condemn all sacrilegious violence that could only be perpetrated by enemies of a just peace and humane coexistence among people of various religious or national affiliations,” began the March 5 letter of support from Archbishop Cardinal Franjo Kuharić of Zagreb, president of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, to Archbishop Cardinal Vinko Puljić of Sarajevo, president of the Bosnian-Herzegovian Conference of Bishops, after increasingly serious attacks on buildings belonging to the Catholic Church in Bosnia. Cardinal Kuharić also emphasized Cardinal Puljić#!s heroic struggle for peace, the struggle against violence and hatred among people and nations during the war. “You represented coexistence in justice equality, safety and freedom for all people, despite differences,” wrote Cardinal Kuharić. Cardinal Kuharić, president of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, mentioned the upcoming visit by Pope John Paul II to Sarajevo and the Catholic Church of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Cardinal Kuharić stated that all the Croatian faithful, together with their bishops, join in prayer with the Church in Bosnia-Herzegovina for the Holy Father to visit Sarajevo. “Sharing your difficulties, hope, faith and surrender to Divine Providence, we pray for the Shepherd and Church, led by you, and for a propitious exodus from the present misfortune to a brighter future of peace, safety and freedom, “concluded the letter from Archbishop Cardinal Kuharić of Zagreb to Archbishop Cardinal Puljić of Sarajevo.