New Leadership at the Catholic University of Croatia

Following the decision of the Senate and the confirmation of the Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University of Croatia, Archbishop of Zagreb Mons. Dražen Kutleša, Prof. Željko Tanjić, Ph.D., has been reappointed as Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia for a four-year term, from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2028.

On Tuesday, 1 October 2024, in accordance with the University Statute, a ceremonial session of the Senate was held, presided over by the representative of the Grand Chancellor, Mons. Ivan Šaško, Auxiliary Bishop of Zagreb and the first Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia.

Following the opening prayer, Mons. Šaško conveyed greetings from the Grand Chancellor. Prof. Hrvoje Štefančić, Ph.D., former Vice-Rector for International Relations, addressed those gathered on behalf of the 2020–2024 university leadership. He highlighted the period’s intensity, marked by significant changes and challenges, but also emphasized the high level of collegiality, mutual support, and availability that characterized their leadership. He thanked Rector Tanjić and his fellow vice-rectors for their cooperation and congratulated them on their new term.

In his address, Bishop Ivan Šaško congratulated the Rector on his reappointment and expressed gratitude on behalf of Archbishop Kutleša and the entire Archdiocese of Zagreb for his continued readiness to serve and for the many fruitful achievements of recent years.

Reflecting on the readings from the Mass invoking the Holy Spirit at the start of the 2024/2025 academic year, Bishop Šaško focused on three concepts: hope accompanied by trial, the yoke that binds in the freedom of communion with Christ, and the rector’s chain as a symbol of continuity and new paths.

He remarked:

“The rector’s chain is a symbol of succession and continuity, of wisdom and knowledge, and of responsibility. Dear Željko, in your case this is an ‘unusual, direct continuity’—you are not receiving the chain from the previous rector, but rather putting it on again yourself. And yet, this is something new, because you are growing and changing. This new term requires stepping across a threshold—one of detachment in order to re-engage with renewed commitment. The chain, in a way, has conformed to you. You wore it first and became accustomed to it; now it is slightly more accustomed to you. It is yours by virtue of the rector’s office. When you put it on, try to reflect on its shapes and symbols, which you yourself cannot fully see as you wear it—it is meant to be seen by others. The links speak of connection, and their central elements are both precious and fragile, needing care. Their strength lies in the other links, not only those bearing saints or figures in relief, but all members of the University—especially your closest collaborators. The chain is both ornament and burden. It can rightly be seen as a ‘yoke’. You already know how heavy or sweet it can be. It is with you even when you are not wearing it—engraved in your service, following the model of Christ’s ministry, so that others may feel the strength of His light and love.”

Receiving the rector’s chain for his third term, Prof. Tanjić expressed his thanks to Grand Chancellor Mons. Kutleša and to the entire Archdiocese of Zagreb for their trust. In his speech to the Senate, he stated:

“I accepted this role out of obedience, as I pledged at my priestly ordination. Over the course of my two previous terms and 13 years at the Catholic University of Croatia, friendship has been the key element in all relationships. As Cicero said, true friendship is founded on unity in human and divine matters. I thank God for His kindness and love that has accompanied me, and which I continue to pray for in this new term and in life. From that, I live out all the relationships this role brings.
The Catholic University of Croatia is a great undertaking, and we can only lead it if we continue working together in friendship with God, with one another, and in mutual respect. I thank all my vice-rectors, past and present, who have carried out their duties with kindness and love.
This term, I will particularly pray for unity of heart—not uniformity. We may hold diverse opinions and views about what the University should be and how it should develop. But unity of heart means sharing the same spirit of Christ: thinking with the same spirit for the good of our University. This must remain in our minds as we work, develop projects, and carry out plans. Acting for the common good in the spirit of Christ—this sustained me in the past and gives me hope for the term ahead.”

On the recommendation of Rector Tanjić, the Senate of the Catholic University of Croatia, at its 60th session (17 September 2024), elected the new vice-rectors whose terms also began on 1 October 2024.

Alongside Rector Željko Tanjić, Ph.D., the new university leadership includes:

Prof. Gordan Črpić, Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Organisation and Operations

Prof. Roberto Antolović, Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Research

Prof. Roko Mišetić, Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Teaching

Prof. Jasna Ćurković Nimac, Ph.D., Vice-Rector for International Relations

Prof. Ante Crnčević, Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission