PM Plenković meets with Pope Leo XIV

The Croatian Prime Minister met with Pope Leo the XIV at the Vatican on Friday. Both sides described the meeting a cordial and an affirmation of excellent relations between Croatia and the Holy See.

On the second day of his official visit to the Vatican, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković was received by Pope Leo XIV. The focus of their talks was on relations between Croatia and the Holy See: "This was our second meeting, in which we, first and foremost discussed relations between Croatia and the Holy See, our centuries of connection, the role of the Catholic Church in Croatian identity, our traditions and faith, everything that kept the Croatian people together through the centuries. And obviously we expressed our wish that these relations continue to be further developed during his pontificate. He is a man of the world, and a man with massive experience, who has very sensible and reasonable views. I was left with a very positive impression following today's meeting."

The Prime Minister and the Pope also discussed several international issues including the Western Balkans and Ukraine. With respect to the Western Balkans, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in particular, Prime Minister Plenković said the Pope had a very good understanding of the situation there: "It is important to know that the Pope has several very important advisors who are Croats, some from Bosnia and Herzegovina, with whom he has been working for years. These are people who can explain the circumstances and position of the Croat people there."

The PM described the Vatican's recent diplomatic efforts as inspiring. The Pope recently returned from visits to Turkey and Lebanon. He has also offered to be a mediator in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine: "The Pope and the Vatican are offering their services - Vatican's diplomatic service is highly influential - to achieve peace."

The PM also invited the Pope to visit Croatia. After the meeting, the Plenković his family and members from his delegation attended an audience with the Pontiff.

Source: HRT