Croatian Parliament Speaker meets Pope Francis, invites him to visit

Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković and his wife Sonja were received in a private audience by Pope Francis, referred to as Pope Lav XIV in the report, at the Vatican. Jandroković conveyed greetings from the Croatian people and parliamentarians, emphasizing Croatia's historical importance in its relations with the Holy See.

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We convey to you the greetings of the Croatian people and the deputies in the Croatian Parliament.

He recalled the Holy See's significant role in Croatia's international recognition during the Croatian War of Independence, noting that the Holy See was among the first to recognize Croatia's independence on January 13, 1992. Jandroković extended a renewed invitation for the Pope to visit Croatia, an invitation previously issued by the Croatian Bishops' Conference, the President, and the Prime Minister.

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The Holy See was among the first states to recognize Croatian independence, on January 13, 1992.

During their conversation, both Jandroković and the Pope expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of global crises and conflicts, particularly mentioning situations in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa. Jandroković highlighted the Pope's calls for peace and dialogue, stressing the current need for diplomacy amid challenges to international law and multilateralism. He also noted the importance of promoting Christian values within the European Union, referencing a past message from the Pope.

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The Croatian people would welcome His Holiness with great satisfaction, which would be the fifth papal visit to Croatia since its independence.

The discussion also touched upon the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Jandroković welcomed the Holy See's attention to the equality of all constituent peoples and inclusive dialogue in the country. He affirmed Croatia's commitment to protecting the rights of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, acknowledging the Catholic Church's crucial role in their religious and cultural life. Jandroković presented the Pope with a replica of Ivan Meštrović's sculpture "The Great Crucifixion" and a Croatian national football team jersey.

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Both expressed mutual concern over the severe humanitarian and various other consequences of crises and conflicts in the world, such as those in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa.