The Holy Father Leo XIV received this Friday, October 31, 2025, in the Vatican, the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović. After the private audience with the Pope, the Croatian leader held a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to His Holiness, accompanied by Monsignor Daniel Pacho, Undersecretary for the Multilateral Sector of the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the conversations took place in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect, reflecting the good level of bilateral relations between the Holy See and Croatia.
Dialogue on the Balkans and Regional Cooperation
During the meeting at the Secretariat of State, recognition was expressed for the solid diplomatic ties existing between the two States, and various international and regional issues were addressed. In particular, attention was paid to the situation in the Western Balkans and the challenges facing the region in terms of cooperation, stability, and development.
The Vatican appreciated Croatia’s commitment to peace and dialogue among peoples, as well as its role within the European Union as a bridge between Western Europe and Southeastern Europe.
A Historical and Solid Relationship
The Holy See and Croatia have maintained a close diplomatic relationship for more than three decades. The Croatian nation, deeply marked by its Catholic tradition, was one of the first republics of the former Yugoslavia to receive recognition from the Vatican after its independence in 1992. Since then, the Church in Croatia has played a determining role in the moral and spiritual reconstruction of the country.
In recent years, bilateral dialogue has continued to strengthen around issues such as religious freedom, Catholic education, and the protection of ecclesiastical heritage, consolidating stable collaboration between the Croatian State and the Church.
Common Commitment to Peace and Stability
This Friday’s meeting is framed within the active diplomacy of Pope Leo XIV, aimed at promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and international cooperation in regions historically marked by conflicts. Both the Vatican and the Croatian government reaffirmed their commitment to the common good, the defense of human values, and the strengthening of peace.
The statement concludes by highlighting the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding that presided over the visit, in which the importance of maintaining a living Christian presence in Central Europe and the Balkans as a sign of hope and unity was emphasized.