The Department of Sociology at the Catholic University of Croatia takes pride in its patron, Saint John Paul II, a pope whose actions left a profound mark on the history of the Church and the Croatian people. He was not only the spiritual leader of millions of faithful but also a distinguished intellectual and promoter of collaboration between the Church and culture. He emphasized the importance of the Church's social teaching and encouraged believers to take an active role in society. During the challenging and turbulent times of societal change that characterized his pontificate, his efforts served as a beacon of hope, inspiring the creation of a more just and compassionate world rooted in the values of truth, freedom, and equality.
His encyclical Sollicitudo rei socialis and the apostolic exhortation Familiaris consortio are just some of the documents that reflect his deep concern for social issues, particularly focusing on social justice, the protection of human life and dignity, and the strengthening of the family as the foundation of society.
In 1998, at the Croatian National Shrine of Our Lady of Bistrica, Saint John Paul II beatified Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, the Archbishop of Zagreb and the heavenly patron of the Catholic University of Croatia. Their shared commitment to the truth about humanity and the building of a just society that defends the dignity of every individual makes them authentic symbols of resistance to totalitarian regimes and advocates for human rights.