Vatican City, 7 April 2016 – This morning the Holy Father Francis received in audience the president of the government of the Republic of Croatia, Tihomir Orešković, who subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Msgr. Antoine Camilleri, under-secretary for Relations with States.

The cordial discussions made manifest the good existing relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Croatia, of which today’s visit is a significant expression, and confirmation was given of the common wish to continue constructive dialogue on themes of bilateral interest regarding relations between the ecclesial and civil communities. Mention was also made of the relevance attributed by Croatian faithful to the figure of Blessed Alojzike Stepinac and on the condition of the Croatian minority in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the broad exchange of views on international and regional matters, particular concern was expressed regarding the humanitarian crisis of refugees from the Middle East, as well as the situations of conflict that affect various regions of the world and acts that seek to weaken the foundations of civil co-existence.