Zagreb – Speaker Gordan Jandroković welcomed His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, on his first pastoral visit to Croatia. He noted that the Coptic community in Croatia, though small in number, is an important part of the country’s Christian community. The visit is therefore a strong expression of pastoral care for the Coptic faithful.
Patriarch Tawadros II gave an overview of the history of the Coptic Church and reflected on current challenges and relations with other Christian communities. He also recalled yesterday’s Coptic–Catholic Friendship Day, which he marked with a service in Zagreb attended by more than 500 Coptic faithful.
Both sides agreed that mutual respect, based on cooperation between the two Christian communities, is a value that must be continuously fostered. Speaker Jandroković emphasised that Croatia especially appreciates Patriarch Tawadros II’s commitment to ecumenical activity and the promotion of understanding among different faiths. He expressed hope for fruitful cooperation between Pope Tawadros II and Pope Leo XIV, particularly in strengthening ties between nations and religions.
During the meeting, Speaker Jandroković expressed satisfaction with the excellent and friendly relations between Croatia and Egypt, home of the majority of the world’s Copts. The relations between the two countries are further strengthened by their shared Mediterranean identity and their commitment to peace, prosperity, and stability in the wider region.
Speaker Jandroković praised the continued commitment of Patriarch Tawadros II and welcomed his personal efforts to promote global peace, as well as his message calling for a strengthening of Christian love, which he consistently advocates. Both sides emphasised the importance of promoting dialogue as a means of achieving peace and stability, particularly in a world marked by growing divisions and increasingly fragile security.
Also present at the meeting were His Holiness’s delegation and the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Republic of Croatia, Rania Mahmoud Elbanna.