Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.34075/cs.61.3.3
Priests' Viewpoints on their Identity in Light of the Vision of Cardinal Franjo Kuharić
Ivan Grbešić
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The paper explores the applicability of the vision of priestly identity, as understood by Cardinal Franjo Kuharić, in contemporary pastoral circumstances and provides a comparative analysis with the results of empirical research from 1971 and 2026. In the empirical part of the paper, a quantitative research approach was applied to a sample of 222 diocesan and religious priests in Croatia using a questionnaire and a Likert scale. The data were processed using a descriptive and non-parametric statistical method (Kruskall-Wallis). The results confirm the continued relevance of Kuharić's vision, regardless of age of the priests who participated in the study and their parish size. Greater trust in the church authority and friendly relations among priests are variables that are associated with a more positive acceptance of priestly identity. No significant change in fundamental attitudes was found, but a weakening of the Presbyterian brotherhood is visible, which is a possible response to excessive individualism that the Cardinal emphasized as a danger that weakens priestly identity and negatively affects pastoral effectiveness.
Keywords
Franjo Kuharić; priestly identity; celibacy; presbyterian brotherhood; pastoral effectiveness
Hrčak ID:
352339
URI
Publication date:
21.10.2026.
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