NEW CROAT AMBASSADOR TO THE HOLY SEE SUBMITS CREDENTIAL

( Editorial: --> 7752 ) ROME, Oct 12 (Hina) - The new Croatian ambassador to the Holy See Marijan Sunjic on Monday handed over his credentials to Pope John Paul II. On behalf of Croatian President Franjo Tudjman and the entire Croatian nation, Ambassador Sunjic congratulated the Pope on his 20th anniversary of his pontificate. The introduction of democracy in Croatia has enabled the development of good relations between the state and the Church, Pope John Paul II said. He once again emphasised how he was deeply impressed by his recent pastoral visit to Croatia and that it was with joy that he had beatified the celebrated Croatian son and faithful shepherd of the Church, Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac. The Pope said the Croatian people had once again evidenced its faith and consistent loyalty to the Catholic Church, as well as its dignity and the livelihood of its culture, which gave the apostolic visit a especially deep meaning. He praised the efforts made by the Croatian Church and state authorities with regard to the organisation of his apostolic pilgrimage. Following all the suffering it experienced during the recent war, Croatia now enjoys the great gift of peace. From the bottom of my heart I hope that this founding principle can be strengthened from day to day and finally spread to all the peoples of south-east Europe, said the Pope. Croatia, which "belongs to the ancient European peoples" is faced in developing democracy with the difficult challenges of the current moment, while at the same time giving hope to its people with clear acts of solidarity towards the poorest and most neglected. This is the path that leads to the future, he said. Travelling down the path of democracy, Croatia will be in a position to offer a special contribution to the democratic growth and stability of the region, and in the region and the entire continent promote continual human, civil, and spiritual advancement, said Pope John Paul II. Ambassador Sunjic emphasised the strong ties between Croatia and the Holy See and once again thanked the Pope and the Vatican for their contribution towards the establishment and recognition of Croatia's independence. (Hina) sp jn/ha 121710 MET oct 98