Pope Benedict XVI Meets with Prime Minister of Croatia

By Junno Arocho

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 29, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Pope Benedict XVI received in audience Zoran Milanovic, prime minister of the Republic of Croatia. Shortly after, the Mr. Milanovic met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. Cardinal Bertone was also accompanied by Archbishop Dominiqe Mamberti, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States.

According to a communique released by the Holy See Press Office, the cordial discussions that took place allowed for a "productive exchange of opinions" regarding the challenges that Croatia is facing amidst the current economic crisis.

The Vatican Secretary of State and the Prime Minister of Croatia also discussed several issues of mutual interest that were "within the framework of bilateral relations."

"On this subject, mention was made of a conference to be held this afternoon marking the twentieth anniversary of diplomatic relations," the communique stated.

Also discussed was the case regarding parish property in Dajla. A former Italian Benedictine monastery in the coastal town has been at the center of a dispute for the past year. While the Holy Father had ruled that the monastery should be returned to the Benedictines in Italy, several politicians in Croatia believe it should continue to be under the care of the diocese where it is located. "[In regards to] the well-known case of Dajla, the two parties agreed to resolve the question as soon as possible, in the spirit of traditional friendship between the Holy See and the Republic of Croatia," the communique stated.

The meeting concluded with the Holy See reiterating its support for Croatia's full European integration, while "consideration was given to the regional situation, with particular reference to the situation of Croatians in Bosnia and Herzegovina."