Europe’s Christian roots at heart of Pope’s Croatia visit

Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI will defend Europe’s Christian roots during a pastoral visit to Croatia this weekend, as the overwhelmingly Catholic country’s leadership bids to join the European Union.

Euroscepticism however is rife among the Balkan state’s population, many of whom fear they may lose their national and religious identity.

They are weary too of the complex and lengthy deliberations over their upcoming EU membership.

During his two-day trip to Zagreb, Benedict is expected to hail the move to join the EU while cautioning Croatians to keep their faith. He will meet young faithful before celebrating a large open-air mass on Sunday.

“The visit comes at an extremely important moment at which we are celebrating 20 years of independence and we will soon mark the end of EU (accession) talks,” Foreign Minister Gordan Jandrokovic told journalists.

Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic said it would “contribute to boosting of Croatia’s position within a big family of European people.”

At a meeting with Croatia’s new ambassador to the Holy See in April, the pontiff warned that “disgruntled voices challenge the reality of Europe’s roots.”

He called on Zagreb to defend its Christian culture and heritage.

The pope pointed to the numerous crucifixes displayed throughout the country as proof of the collaboration possible between state and church, but cautioned Croatians against “pitfalls” such as laws on divorce, euthanasia and abortion.

The Vatican has a special relationship with Croatia, which it has referred to as “the small Poland of the South.”The Church played a key role in guarding national identity in both Poland and Croatia during the Cold War.

Vatican City, Thursday, AFP