November 12, 2009. Pope Benedict XVI welcomed the President of Croatia Stejpan Mesić to the Vatican.

During the meeting both discussed the situation in the region, the main challenges that await and the factors that promote stability and strengthen peace.

The pope and the president stressed the importance of promoting constructive dialogue between Croatian bishops and the government..

Benedict XVI has yet to visit Croatia.

His predecessor Pope John Paul II celebrated his 100th  international trip there in 2003.

There are about 4 million Catholics living in Croatia which make up nearly 85 % of its population.

MC-JM
--BN