This morning the Holy Father Francis received the President of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, H.E. Mr. Andrej Plenković. They subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of State, accompanied by the Rev. Msgr. Antoine Camilleri, under-secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, appreciation was expressed for the good relations that exist between the Holy See and the Republic of Croatia, and for the positive contribution of the Church to the life of the Country. Mention was made also of the work of the mixed Commission of Croatian and Serbian experts for a joint rereading of the figure of the Blessed Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac.

The conversation continued with an exchange of views on some themes of mutual interest, including the future of the European project and the regional context, with particular reference to the situation of the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.