Pope Leo XIV received Croatian President Zoran Milanović in an audience on 31 October at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.

On February 14, the President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, posthumously bestowed the Grand Order of the President of the Republic Franjo Tuđman with Sash and Great Morning Star upon the former Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Franjo Kuharić, as an expression of the highest recognition by the Republic of Croatia for his exceptional contribution to the promotion of Croatian state and national interests at home and abroad, especially for the furthering of state and national unity, state building and the spiritual values of the Croatian nation. The ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace in Zagreb and the decoration was accepted by the Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanić.