Msgr. Kutleša: CUC Has Become a Distinct Presence in Croatian Academic and Social Life

The new issue of Kompas features an interview with the Grand Chancellor of CUC, Archbishop Dražen Kutleša: CUC Has Become a Distinct Presence in Croatian Academic and Social Life

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Catholic University of Croatia, the Archbishop of Zagreb and Grand Chancellor of CUC, Msgr. Dražen Kutleša, reflected in an interview for the student magazine Kompas on the University’s development, its mission, and the challenges awaiting it in the future.

Msgr. Kutleša summarized the twenty years of CUC’s activity in three words: gratitude, maturation, and responsibility. He emphasized that the University grew out of the vision and commitment of many people to become an academic community that connects diverse academic fields, international cooperation, research, and the education and formation of youth.

"CUC has grown from a promise into a distinct presence in Croatian academic and social life. Now, on this foundation, we must build even more maturely, freely, and responsibly, conscious that its true success will be measured by the good its people achieve," Msgr. Kutleša noted.

Reflecting on the most significant achievements, he specifically highlighted the development of the university community, the campus renovation, and the strengthening of research and international activities. In doing so, he stressed that the University's success is not measured solely by institutional expansion, but above all by the individuals it forms and the good they contribute to society through their knowledge and work.

In the interview, he devoted particular attention to the role of education in an era of rapid technological progress and artificial intelligence. He highlighted the importance of wisdom, critical reflection, and holistic personal formation, pointing out that education must not remain confined to acquiring information and professional competencies, but must foster responsibility, conscience, and a commitment to serving others.

Speaking on the role of a Catholic university in contemporary society, Msgr. Kutleša emphasized the importance of academic excellence, open dialogue, and fidelity to its own identity. Among the challenges facing CUC, he identified demographic shifts, financial sustainability, digital transformation, and the preservation of Catholic identity, while identifying opportunities in interdisciplinarity, international collaboration, and close relationships with students.

At the conclusion of the interview, he offered a message of encouragement to students, faculty, and administrative staff, inviting them to continue building the University on the foundations of truth, responsibility, and solidarity. He described the twentieth anniversary as a new beginning rather than the culmination of an era.

The full interview can be read in the printed double issue of Kompas or in the online edition.