Pope Francis received Bosnian Croat Presidency member Zeljko Komsic on Monday in his first reception of 2022 in the Vatican, where they spoke about the present situation in BiH and the importance of preserving peace.

Presidency Chairman Komsic and the Holy Father had a private conversation in the Papal Apostolic Palace, where Komsic briefed Pope Francis on the latest developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In a cordial conversation, Komsic and Pope Francis also touched on the problems that Bosnia is facing, primarily with the departure of people from the entire region, as well as the challenges of modern times. In particular, they talked about the importance of preserving universal values.

After the visit to the Palace, Komsic presented a gift to Pope Francis, namely a valuable edition of the book The Kingdom of Bosnia, as well as a seal ring of the Bosnian ruler from Donja Zgosca near Kakanj.

After the meeting with Pope Francis, Zeljko Komsic also met with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States. In a conversation with Komsic, the Archbishop emphasized the role of the Vatican in recognizing BiH as an independent state, as well as the great support they still give to an independent and sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Archbishop Gallagher was also interested in the security and political situation in BiH, as well as the attitude of neighbouring and other countries towards the country and the crisis in it.