"Unfortunately, such understanding of the role of the Church on the president's part reminds us of the communist ideology," the Zagreb archbishop told Hina by phone, adding that it would take a lot of effort to free the public from the legacy of the past.
The cardinal said the bishops had thought it useful to discuss with the PM the tasks of the Church in Croatia's EU integration process because this was one of the items on the agenda of the last HBK session.
Bozanic said Mesic's reaction had surprised him and that it indicated that the president was unfamiliar with "contemporary democratic processes on the European continent".
The archbishop said Mesic's statement was contradictory given that he had met HBK members on a number of occasions in his capacity as head of state and at his own initiative.
Cardinal Bozanic said the president's statament was also contrary to the EU's Constitutional Treaty, which he added encouraged institutional dialogue between the Union and churches and recognised in the Church a partner in the dialogue serving the common good.
Speaking of Sanader's meeting with the bishops, Mesic said yesterday: "This is uncommon. Talks can be held with everyone, including Church representatives, but I would suggest that the Church deal with its own problems".
Politics should not be the primary task of the Church, Mesic said. "I never interfere in Church matters although I am a believer," he said, adding that he was certain his statement would provoke a lot of criticism.