ST JEROME INSTITUTE IN ROME OFFERS CONDOLENCES

ROME, Dec 12 (Hina) - The Rector of the Croatian Papal Institute in Rome of St Jerome, Jure Bogdan, on Sunday sent a letter conveying condolences to Croatian acting president Vlatko Pavletic, the Croatian National Sabor, and the Government, on the occasion of the death of Croatian President Franjo Tudjman. "The Papal Croatian Institute of St Jerome received the news on the death of Croatian President Franjo Tudjman with sorrow. President Tudjman very much appreciated the work of St Jerome's institutions in Rome. At the beginning of his presidential service, he visited the institute, and in June of 1997, he donated a bronze statue of Virgin Mary, the work of sculptor Kruno Bosnjak, to the Institute. During his last visit to Rome and the Vatican, on the occasion of the opening of an exhibition in the Vatican Museums, "Croatians, Christianity, Culture, and Art", the President wanted to visit our institute on October 29, and meet Croatian priests and students. unfortunately, his illness prevented him from doing so. By his passing away, Croatians at home and abroad are losing the best fighter for the right to one's own state and independence, for freedom of all Croatian citizens, freedom of view-of-life, dignity of man, the promoter of the cultural and spiritual heritage... We express our deepest condolence as humans and Christians for this sad loss for the entire Croatian nation", read a letter sent by Jure Bogdan. (hina) it