Episcopal Conference of Croatia


The Croatian Bishops' Conference is an episcopal conference of the Catholic Church in Croatia. The Conference was founded on May 15, 1993 after Croatia regained its independence after the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, which consequentially led to the abolition of the Bishops' Conference of Yugoslavia. HBK is composed of all active and retired bishops; currently 27.

History

During the breakup of Yugoslavia, Croatia declared its independence on June 25, 1991. The Holy See recognized Croatia on January 13, 1992. Croatian bishops made a proposal for the establishment of the Croatian Bishops' Conference.
On May 15, 1993, the Holy See issued a decree by which it established governing body for the Croatian dioceses-Croatian Bishops' Conference. Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Franjo Kuharić, was elected as a first Conference President.
The HBK Statute was renewed on February 5, 2000. Cardinal Josip Bozanić served as Conference president in two terms. At the HBK plenary session in October 2007 in the town of Gospić, Archbishop of Đakovo-Osijek Marin Srakić was elected as the President. Vice-Presidents of the Conference were Cardinal Josip Bozanić and Archbishop of Split-Makarska Marin Barišić. At the 45th session of the HBK that was held on November 14, 2012 Archbishop of Zadar Želimir Puljić was elected as the fourth Conference President.
HBK and Bishops' Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina takes care of the pastoral care of Croatian Catholics abroad. They also appoint together Episcopal Commission for the Pontifical Croatian College of St. Jerome in Rome. In addition, their common question are also liturgical books in the Croatian language. According to this, both Conferences have an annual common season.
HBK is a member of Council of the Bishops' Conferences of Europe and Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community.

Organisation

Conference bodies are:
The President and Vice President shall be elected for the time period of three years by bishops, with term renewable twice.

Members

Members of the Croatian Bishops' Conference are: