ZAGREB ARCHBISHOP CALLS FOR PRAYER FOR PEACE

ZAGREB, March 31 (Hina) - At the start of the 31st plenary session of the Croatian Bishops' Conference (HBK) in Zagreb, Zagreb Archbishop and HBK president Josip Bozanic on Monday called for a prayer for peace and harmony in the country, and rationality and wisdom in the decision-making of those who bear responsibility for Croatia. #L# Bozanic recalled that in the past months, weeks and days, "we have been witnesses of the dramatic development of events in the Middle East, especially Iraq". A human tragedy is happening in Iraq, he said. "We wish to unite our voices with those who are crying out for no more human victims, who believe that war is no means for solving inter-state conflicts," said Bozanic, adding that it was necessary to seek new prospects of peace. "In unity with the Holy Father we call on all the faithful to pray for peace, especially in this Year of the Rosary, so the Lord may give us the peace we so wish for," he said. Bozanic recalled that the Croatian Bishops' Conference was established in 1993, as well as late Cardinal Franjo Kuharic's contribution to its work. Addressing the Apostolic Nuncio to Croatia, Giulio Einaudi, Bozanic asked him to relay to the Holy Father the loyalty and respect of Croatian bishops who he said are tirelessly following his hard work in the Church and the world. (hina) lml sb