VATICAN CITY : Croatian President Stjepan Mesic visited Benedict XVI today, discussing with him the "ancient and living" Catholic tradition in Croatia.

The Vatican press office reported that during the visit, the two leaders focused on the situation in the region of former Yugoslavia, including "the principal challenges it is facing, and the factors that favor its stability and promote peace."

As well, the Pope and the president discussed the "ancient and living Catholic tradition of Croatia [... and] the importance of respecting this identity and of promoting the common good through constructive dialogue between the government authorities and the episcopate, and with all components of society."

After meeting with the Holy Father, Mesic went on to talk with the Pope's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and the Vatican secretary for relations with states, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.

Croatia has about 4.5 million people, more than 87% of whom are Catholic.

Courtesy : Zenit.org