The three members of Bosnia’s Presidency congratulated Christmas to all Catholics in the country on Thursday, calling for peace and the strengthening of ties between the people of BiH.

“I wish all those who celebrate Christmas according to the Gregorian calendar for this day, when the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated, to give them peace, joy and Christian love for their loved ones and compatriots. With sincere wishes to spend the upcoming holidays in health, spiritual peace and joy, I sincerely congratulate Christmas to you. I appeal to all people to spend the holidays with their families in order to preserve their health and the lives of their loved ones in light of the coronavirus pandemic,” said the Chairman of the Presidency and its Serb member, Milorad Dodik.

His Croat colleague in the Presidency, Zeljko Komsic, also congratulated the holiday both to Catholics in BiH as well as to the Catholic Archbishop in the country, Vinko Puljic.

“This great holiday symbolizes a new life and at the same time teaches us to respect each other and to be dignified. It teaches us to take care of each other and help those in need and those who are helpless. I am sure that this year the holiday atmosphere and its spiritual strength will be an opportunity to renew and strengthen philanthropy, friendship, solidarity and love for our neighbours,” Komsic said.

The Bosniak member of the institution, Sefik Dzaferovic, said that “Christmas, as a holiday that carries a universal message of hope and faith in a better tomorrow, contributes to strengthening the ties between people.”

“Let the holiday atmosphere from family homes spill over into all of Bosnia's society,” he said.