The Vatican will continue supporting Bosnia as a multi-ethnic state and its efforts to join Euro-Atlantic organisations, Bosnia’s tripartite Presidency said after its Croat member and current Chairman, Zeljko Komic, met with Pope Francis on Saturday to discuss the situation and status of the Church in the country.

Komsic told the Pope that the only solution for Bosnia and Herzegovina is membership in NATO and the EU. The need to ensure respect for the basic human rights of all Bosnian citizens was also emphasised at the meeting.

Komsic also presented Pope Francis with a gift – a crucifix with Jesus Christ created by Sarajevan sculptor Enes Sivac and a replica of Sarajevo’s St. Joseph’s Church.

The Croat Presidency member also met separately with the Holy See's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The two discussed the ratification and implementation of the Basic Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Holy See.