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Zagreb - Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković on Thursday received Father Francesco Patton, the Custos of the Holy Land, and they talked about the Chapel of Croatian Saints and Blessed Croatians in Betlehem, which was completed last year.
The completion of the chapel was financially supported by Croatia on land given by the Custody of the Holy Land.
By building the chapel, Croatia joined a worthy global Christian project aimed at expanding accommodation for visitors and pilgrims from across the world, parliament said, adding that the interior of the chapel depicts a part of Croatian history and culture, "which will contribute to Croatia's recognition in the Holy Land and the world."
The custos thanked Croatia for the chapel, agreeing that it represents a strong link between Croatia and the Holy Land.
The chapel has not been inaugurated and consecrated yet due to the current war. "Both sides hope the conditions for that will be created as soon as possible".
Patton informed Jandroković of the difficult position of Christians in the Middle East, notably due to the war.
The Custody of the Holy Land thanked Croatian MP Marijana Petir, who was present at the talks, for her engagement in giving scholarships to young persecuted Christians from the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Twenty scholarships for studying in Croatia were granted in this academic year.
Jandroković said they could continue to count on the support of the Croatian parliament, government and other state institutions in improving their position.