Farewell visit from Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Giorgio Lingua

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman received Archbishop Giorgio Lingua, Apostolic Nuncio, on a farewell visit on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.
 
The minister expressed his sincere appreciation to the Apostolic Nuncio for his dedicated service and for his valuable contribution to the further strengthening of the traditionally close and friendly relations between Croatia and the Holy See. He also commended the excellent cooperation achieved during Lingua’s tenure, particularly in his capacity as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
 
The close and robust ties between Croatia and the Holy See continue to be reaffirmed through regular high-level meetings and sustained dialogue on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, to the satisfaction of both sides.
 
Grlić Radman congratulated Lingua on his appointment to the demanding and responsible offices of Apostolic Nuncio to Israel and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine. He recalled the long-standing tradition of the presence of Croatian clergy in the Holy Land, as well as the importance attached, within the framework of Croatia’s development cooperation, to projects in the area, including the revitalisation of the Catholic Action Social Centre in Bethlehem. The Government of the Republic of Croatia also supported the construction of the Chapel of Croatian Saints and Blessed at the Shepherds’ Fields near Bethlehem, which was solemnly inaugurated in March 2025.

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