Ambassador Emilio Marin handed his credentials in Vatican to Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II expressed his respect and sympathy for Croatia, along with a prayer for harmony and prosperity of the whole nation. The Holy Father expressed his support to Croatia’s acceding to the EU in the following words: “Drawing from their incorruptible religious heritage, the Croats will continue to build their history and, firmly resting on their spiritual identity, will be able to offer their experience to the community of European nations. I wish them success in ending their intense efforts to become a constituent part of a united Europe and share a concern some have voiced that a slowed down Croatia’s accession to the EU could damage the process of democratic reforms implementation not only in Croatia, but other countries in that part of Europe, which are striving with hope towards the European integrations.

In his speech to the Holy Father, Ambassador Marin said: “We are convinced and we expect that the co-operation between the Holy Seat and the Republic of Croatia will continue to develop to the mutual satisfaction and the wellbeing of the international community. The Croatian President and the Croatian government headed by Ivo Sander, fulfilling their obligations to the Church, confirmed by four bilateral agreements, want to enhance the realisation of these agreements, which will, among other things, mark my ambassadorial mission to the Holy Seat.”

After handing his credentials, ambassador Emilio Marin met with Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano.