Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić 6 March 2019 paid an official visit to the Holy See. She began her visit with an audience with Pope Francis.
Her host was the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher. Pejčinović Burić and Gallagher underscored traditionally excellent relations between the two countries founded on historic partnership and mutual understanding.
Also discussed were bilateral relations, the situation in Southeast Europe and the EU enlargement, as well as the importance of the accession process for the stability of these countries. Special emphasis was placed on the status of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The talks also focused on the preparations for Croatia’s Council of the EU presidency, as well as preparations to join the Schengen Area and the euro zone. Pejčinović Burić and Gallagher also talked about the canonisation of the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac. Both officials agreed that the number of high-level visits in the past two years was a confirmation of friendly bilateral relations, expecting the momentum to continue in 2019.
During her visit to the Holy See, Pejčinović Burić also met with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and visited the Pontifical Croatian College of St. Jerome, where she met with its rector, Monsignor Božo Radoš.