The Historical Role of the Church in the Speeches of the First Croatian President, Franjo Tuđman

Abstract

Franjo Tuđman (1922–1999), the first President of the Republic of Croatia (1990– 1999), in his historiographical works, interviews and speeches often wrote or spoke about the role of the Catholic Church and the importance of Christianity in the history of the Croatian people. The purpose of this article is to present Tuđman’s fundamental views on the aforementioned as expressed in his presidential speeches. Following the introductory portrayal of the historical context of his presidency and of Tuđman’s views on the Church through history up until 1990, particularly with regard to the role of the Church in Croatia during World War II, in the continuation of the text his views on the historical role of the Church in the entire history of the Croatian people are put forth, particularly in modern Croatian history from 1990 onward. Tuđman’s understanding of political and all other facets of relations between Croatia and the Holy See in the context of Croatian historical development is highlighted, as is also the universal mission of the Church in the world. The author holds that Tuđman’s views on certain aspects of, and also on relations as a whole were not inspired solely by his position as president and politician, but that they emanated from his religious life.