Plenković and Parolin advocated for just peace in Ukraine and European perspective of the countries of Southeast Europe

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković arrived today for a two-day official visit to the Holy See, which began with a meeting with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. They discussed bilateral relations, ending the war in Ukraine and establishing a just and lasting peace, and the European perspective of the countries of Southeast Europe, with an emphasis on Bosnia and Herzegovina. After the meeting with Cardinal Parolin, the Prime Minister held a lecture at the Pontifical Gregorian University in which he analysed the turbulent present and expressed his thoughts on the collective responsibility for shaping a peaceful, secure and prosperous future. He also visited the Franciscan Pontifical University Antonianum where, along with Fr. Miljenko Šteka, the guardian, he met with Croatian Franciscan students from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In a statement to the media, Prime Minister Plenković said that today's talks were held on three topics. The first topic was bilateral relations, which were assessed as very good.

"We are particularly satisfied with the way relations are regulated in Croatia and with the regular, systematic dialogue with the Croatian Bishops' Conference," he emphasized.

This cooperation, he added, is based on both trust and agreements, and the contribution of the Croatian Catholic Church and the Catholic Church in general is important for key issues in Croatian society, for everything that makes up the Croatian identity and creates the strength of the Croatian people, not only recently but also for centuries.



Support for the European path of countries in Croatia's neighbourhood

The second topic related to the situation in our neighborhood, said the Prime Minister, emphasizing that this topic was of particular interest to the State Secretary because the Holy See wants peace and stability, as well as for countries that are not within the European Union to gradually achieve that goal.

Prime Minister Plenković reiterated Croatia's position, which is support for reform efforts and the fulfillment of the criteria and, ultimately, for joining the European Union.

The necessity of achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine

The third topic was global issues, primarily the situation in Ukraine and peace processes.

The wish of the Holy See and Pope Leo XIV. is to contribute to peace efforts, especially the exchange of prisoners, the return of Ukrainian children and everything that Vatican diplomacy has been continuously advocating for years, and that is, above all, peace, Plenković told reporters.

They expressed their desire to achieve a lasting and just peace.

The Holy Father is a great international and moral authority, said the Prime Minister when asked about the Pope's possible peace initiative for Ukraine, and everything that can contribute to a truce and cease-fire, and then to a complete and long-term peace plan, is welcome.

Tomorrow, he added, at the meeting with the Holy Father, he will have the opportunity to hear directly what the achievements of such an initiative are

Voice of the Holy Father and diplomacy of the Holy See continue to inspire the cause of peace, justice and human dignity

In his lecture at the Gregorian University, Prime Minister pointed out that, as an ecclesiastical, pontifical and Jesuit institution, the Gregorian has shaped intellectual life, moral imagination and diplomatic practice for centuries.

“In his 2022 address to the Diplomatic Corps, Pope Francis warned against “the progressive irrelevance of international bodies” and called for “more effective world organisations, equipped with the power to defend fundamental human rights.” Pope Leo XIV echoed this appeal, urging the international community to “give new life to multilateral diplomacy” and to the institutions designed to prevent conflict.”, said the PM.

Today, the contours of the global order—long anchored in peace and security—are being reshaped by the rise of new global and regional actors, he warned.

Traditional mechanisms of collective security are fragmenting, placing multilateralism under increasing strain.

At the same time, global authority is becoming increasingly multipolar, driven by the rapid rise of new centres of economic and political gravity.

In this context, papal diplomacy—deeply committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts—remains an enduring source of inspiration for both political leaders and ordinary citizens.

Croatia’s Historical Dialogue with the Holy See

Prime Minister stressed that the history has given Croatian nation a profound understanding of the meaning of peace, adding that for more than thirteen centuries, Croatia has been woven into the fabric of Western Christianity.

As early as the 7th and 8th centuries, the Holy See recognised and encouraged the Christianisation of the Croatian people. This bond was not merely spiritual; it shaped our identity, culture, traditions and statehood.

The papal recognition of the sovereignty of the medieval Croatian state—expressed in the letter of Pope John VIII to Duke Branimir on 7 June 879—stands among the oldest documented diplomatic exchanges in Europe. Today, 7 June is marked as Croatia’s Day of Diplomacy.

Within this broader historical tradition, we also recall the Dubrovnik Republic, a remarkable example of diplomacy as a national ethos.

Dubrovnik preserved its freedom not through military power, but through skilled negotiation, principled neutrality and a highly sophisticated diplomatic service admired across Europe.

Its motto, Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro “Liberty is not sold for all the gold in the world”—captures the spirit of a small state that understood that dialogue and international order are the strongest foundations of peace.

This legacy remains a compelling testimony to the power of diplomacy to safeguard both identity and independence.

Modern Relations Between Croatia and the Holy See

In contemporary times, relations between the Croatian people and the Holy See acquired renewed significance.

The Holy See was among the first international actors to recognise the independence of the Republic of Croatia in January 1992.

This moral, political and diplomatic gesture offered Croatia vital affirmation at one of the most critical moments in its modern history.

Beyond politics, the Catholic Church continues to contribute to Croatian society through: education, charitable institutions, social services, and the fostering of dialogue and reconciliation.

From Caritas to Catholic universities, from pastoral care to moral guidance, the Church has accompanied Croatia through its transition to democracy, its European integration, and its ongoing pursuit of peace and social cohesion.

Our recent experience of confronting the wounds of aggression and war has strengthened our resolve to promote a culture of dialogue, coexistence and encounter.

Croatia has long invested in constructive relations among its diverse religious communities—Catholic, Orthodox, Islamic, Jewish and others—and provides national minorities with some of the strongest protections and support in Europe.

Europe, the International System, and the Need for Renewed Peace Diplomacy

Today, Croatia and the Holy See share not only a common spiritual heritage, but also a deep commitment to human dignity, peacebuilding and the cultural values that define Europe.

The European Union—the continent’s most ambitious political project—is the clearest demonstration that reconciliation is possible through shared institutions, solidarity and a common purpose.

Though imperfect, the European union remains the world’s most successful peace project and proof that diplomacy can reshape history.

Competition among global actors must be managed with realism and steadiness, and cooperation must be pursued wherever global challenges demand it.

Dialogue is not a sign of weakness—it is evidence of strategic maturity.

I say this particularly in the context of two major diverging approaches to the international relations that we are currently observing, witnessing and living.

That is the classical cooperative approach of the western democracies and conflictual approach to international relations by more authoritarian and, I would say, barely democratic countries or regimes.

This diverging starting point defines and is the root of the majority of the problems we are facing globally today.

Croatia in that context strongly advocates the European perspective of the countries of South-East Europe, convinced that this is essential for peace and stability across the continent.

We welcome the attention the Holy See gives to this important strategic goal.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has exposed the fragility of norms that underpinned the post-Second World War order.

Principles once considered universal—territorial integrity, non-aggression, the protection of civilians—are now openly violated.

This year, the international community marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations.

We reaffirm the UN’s core mission of promoting peace, development and universal human rights—values increasingly vital in a fragmented world.

In the coming days, we also observe the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

These principles must not be treated as abstract ideals, but as the foundation of any just and humane international order.

The Distinct Role of the Pontifical Universities

When it comes to the idea of peace, The Pontifical Gregorian University—and other papal universities—play a unique and indispensable role.

Their long tradition of forming prelates, scholars, diplomats and community leaders reflects an enduring truth: peace is not automatic or guaranteed.

It requires intellectual formation, moral clarity, and a readiness to serve the common good.

In 2011, a memorial plaque was unveiled here in honour of the Croatian Jesuit scientist Ruđer Josip Bošković, underscoring Croatia’s longstanding academic and cultural ties with the Holy See.

Bošković, praised by Pope Benedict XVI as an exemplar of the harmonious unity of faith and reason, embodied a rare synthesis of analytical rigor and spiritual depth.

He remains a symbol of the fruitful encounter between scholarship, spirituality and human curiosity.

Graduates of this institution continue a tradition that views diplomacy not only as negotiation, but as a service to humanity.

As we reflect here in Rome—a city where empires rose, faith matured and diplomacy was refined—we are reminded that Europe’s identity has always been shaped by its capacity to transform conflict into cooperation.

Neither power nor prosperity alone has preserved our civilisation.

It was our adherence to principles and norms, long grounded in Christian ideals and upheld by those who were able to see beyond the everyday horizon.

Building a Culture of Peace

The words of Pope Paul VI in Gaudium et Spes (1965)—that “peace is not merely the absence of war, nor can it be reduced solely to the maintenance of a balance of power”—remain profoundly relevant.

He reminds us that peace “is never attained once and for all, but must be built up ceaselessly.”

When unilateral decisions replace genuine dialogue, the preventive role of diplomacy inevitably erodes.

Yet no instrument has proven more effective in managing disputes or fostering a just and sustainable peace.

As Pope Leo XIV described the diplomatic corps as a representation of “the entire family of peoples that shares the joys and sorrows of life,” so too must diplomacy serve as a bridge between divergent interests and a testament to our capacity to resolve tensions so that peace, justice and stability may prevail.

We all come from diverse backgrounds.

We may hold different religious beliefs—or none at all.

But these differences should not hinder the building of peace.

They are, instead, among its necessary foundations.

Let us therefore commit ourselves—guided by history, reason, and moral conviction—to forging such a peaceful future together, concluded PM Plenković.

"Saint Francis" decoration for promoting projects of exceptional cultural value

After the lecture at Gregorian University, the PM visited the Franciscan Pontifical University Antonianum where, along with Fr. Miljenko Šteka, the guardian, he met with a dozen Croatian Franciscan students from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

At the end of the meeting, Ignacio Ceja Jiménez, Vicar General of the Franciscan Order, presented the Prime Minister with the "Saint Francis" honorary decoration, a special edition of the decoration awarded by the Pontifical University Antonianum, which is presented to individuals, institutions or establishments that have distinguished themselves in a particular way with works, initiatives or contributions to the promotion of the spiritual, cultural and humanistic values ​​of the Franciscan charism.

As a sign of deep gratitude for the continuous, concrete and documented support provided to Franciscan institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as for the crucial contribution to the preservation, valorization and development of the Franciscan Library in Mostar, one of the most important guardians of the cultural, spiritual and historical heritage of the region, the decoration recognizes the significant role and contribution of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, as a promoter and supporter of projects of exceptional cultural value.

The Prime Minister is visiting the Holy See along with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Croatian Veterans’ Affairs Tomo Medved, Minister of Culture and Media Nina Obuljen Koržinek and Minister of Demography and Immigration Ivan Šipić.

The Prime Minister continues his official visit tomorrow with a meeting with the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.

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