The Vatican says Pope Benedict XVI has discussed Croatia's Christian roots and its negotiations to enter the European Union during a meeting with the Balkan country's president.Benedict met with Croatian President Ivo Josipovic on Saturday and had what the Vatican described a "fruitful exchange of opinions" on regional issues.
Croatia is predominantly Roman Catholic and a Vatican statement said the two leaders talked about "the importance of it maintaining its specific Christian identity."
The statement said they also discussed the status of Catholic Croats in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the largest part of the population is Muslim.
Pope Benedict XVI has said he will “probably” visit Croatia in 2011 after he met with Croatian President Ivo Josipovic on Saturday, AFP reports.
Speaking after the meeting and answering a journalist’s question, Pope Benedict XVI said he will “probably” visit Croatia very soon.
SIC: FN/EU