The Catholic University of Croatia Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Its Foundation

The Lectio Magistralis was delivered by Archbishop Filippo Iannone, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. As part of the formal program, the newly opened and renovated Rectorate buildings, Student Dormitory, research laboratories, and new classrooms were blessed.

On Monday, June 1, 2026, the Catholic University of Croatia (CUC) marked two decades since its founding with the blessing of the newly renovated University Campus and a formal academic act.

Before the central ceremony, Archbishop Filippo Iannone, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, joined the Grand Chancellor of CUC, Msgr. Dražen Kutleša, Archbishop of Zagreb, Rector Željko Tanjić, and University Chaplain Rev. Branimir Jagodić for the rite of blessing of the newly arranged and renovated rectorate buildings, student dormitory, laboratories, and lecture halls.

In his address prior to the blessing, Archbishop Dražen Kutleša thanked "everyone who contributed to the renovation and arrangement of this campus: the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Prime Minister for the support provided through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which secured significant funds for the realization of this important project; the Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth; the designers, contractors, and expert supervision; as well as all associates and benefactors."

Addressing those gathered, Rector Tanjić emphasized in a brief presentation: "I am joyful today that the development of our University has reached this organic wholeness, which now obligates us even further. We face the task of equipping the renovated buildings and implementing a new organization of life for the university community, which consists of nearly 1,700 students, more than 250 faculty and staff, 350 external associates, and more than 2,500 alumni."

Following the blessing, Rector Tanjić presented a commemorative University plaque to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, as an expression of gratitude to the Croatian Government for its wholehearted support in the renovation of the Catholic University of Croatia Campus.

The celebration continued with an academic act in the Great Hall (Aula Magna) of CUC, attended by students, faculty, and numerous representatives of the political, diplomatic, cultural, and economic life of Croatia.

The formal academic act was attended by: Msgr. Dražen Kutleša, Cardinal Josip Bozanić, Archbishop Filippo Iannone, Apostolic Nuncio Leopoldo Girelli, and rectors and vice-rectors of Croatian universities, including Professor Josip Faričić (University of Zadar and President of the Rectors' Conference), Professor Stjepan Lakušić (University of Zagreb), Professor Goran Hauser (University of Rijeka), Academician Dragan Ljutić (University of Split), Professor Drago Šubarić (Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek), Professor Damir Vusić (University North), Professor Ivan Samardžić (University of Slavonski Brod), Professor Ivica Lučić (Defense and Security University "Dr. Franjo Tuđman"), Professor Ivo Čolak (University of Mostar), Associate Professor Mislav Balković (Algebra University), and Professor Vedran Mornar (VERN University).

Distinguished guests from political life included the Vice President of the Croatian Parliament, Academician Željko Reiner, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Goran Grlić Radman, and State Secretary Iva Ivanković representing the Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth, alongside numerous other state secretaries and representatives of various ministries, the judiciary, and diplomatic corps.

Archbishop Filippo Iannone delivered the Lectio Magistralis on the relationship and dialogue between Canon Law and Civil Law. He stated: "From its inception, the Catholic University of Croatia was envisioned as a bridge of encounter with other cultures. I see the founding of the Faculty of Law precisely as the fulfillment of that mission. While these legal systems are autonomous, they share a common demand for the protection of human dignity."

In his speech, Rector Tanjić noted: "The vision for the future of our University was bestowed upon us by Pope Leo XIV in his first and truly visionary and prophetic encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. The Pope clearly states: 'Schools are not called to follow the rhythm of the digital world, but to offer what the digital sphere itself cannot give—shared time for learning and developing relationships worthy of trust.'"

Commemorative plaques marking the 20th anniversary were awarded to the Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth, the Rectors' Conference of the Republic of Croatia, Professor Gordan Črpić (Vice-Rector for Organization and Management), and the founder of the University, Cardinal Josip Bozanić.

Musical accompaniment was provided by the Samobor Quartet and the Choir of the Catholic University of Croatia.