In a recent interview with N1's Nikola Vucic, Bosnian Franciscan and professor at the Franciscan Theology in Sarajevo, Ivo Markovic, highlighted the urgent need to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, describing it as a catastrophe that must end. He discussed concerns regarding moral relativism and emphasised the importance of international responsibility.

“The Western world is in a spiritual crisis. I have been heavily involved in peace projects between Israelis and Palestinians. I have been in Palestinian camps – people are expelled from their homes; for me, these are concentration camps. When you have people living in such circumstances, you know what kind of things can develop in them. Humanity must be more responsible,” Markovic stated.

Markovic criticized the lack of resolution for the Palestinian issue. “The tragedy of the Palestinians is that no one is solving their problem. Hamas is a terrorist, criminal, and Islamist organization and its goal is not to create a Palestinian state. They use Palestinians as weapons, and we need to keep that in mind. But what brought Hamas to power? Leaders who create even bigger problems are chosen whenever there are disordered situations,” he explained.

Markovic also highlighted the solidarity shown by the global community.

“We in Bosnia experienced terrible suffering, and responsible people around the world showed solidarity with us. Today, intellectuals in the Western world condemn Israel's policies. This must stop once and for all,” he said. He called for a resolution to the Palestinian issue, stating, “The world must resolve the Palestinian question and the injustice and suffering the Palestinians endure. I hope a Palestinian state will be established – although I do not know how it will come about.”

He rejected Samuel Huntington's theory of the clash of civilizations, noting, “Such dark scenarios never come to life.” Markovic also mentioned the presence of Christians among Palestinians. “People do not know that there are Christians among the Palestinians. Our Franciscans are present in the Holy Land – I know many Palestinian Franciscans,” he stated.

“The catastrophe in Gaza must end, the West is in a spiritual crisis,” Markovic concluded.

Markovic has been actively involved in numerous peace initiatives, participating in seminars, workshops, research projects, conferences, and delegations both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and internationally. He contributed to the creation of three textbooks on the culture of religions. In 1996, he prepared and founded in 1997 the Interreligious Service “Face to Face” encouraged by the Provincial Administration and the Franciscan Order. In the same year, he founded the choir Pontanima, recognized for its role in promoting interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Pontanima choir has received praise from several notable figures, including Richard Holbrooke, Kofi Annan, Cardinal Paul Poupard, Muhidin Hamamdzic, former mayor of Sarajevo, Georgette F. Bennett, president of the Tanenbaum Center in New York, and Giacomo Bini, former General Minister of the Order.

Markovic emphasized the importance of reconciliation, stating, “Reconciliation is a difficult process, but it is essential. It starts with honest reflection and the courage to admit and repent for past crimes.”