Congratulations from numerous representatives of various levels of government, social institutions and organizations, and diplomacy were received by Cardinal together with the Apostolic Nuncio in BiH Msgr. Luigi Pezzuto, Vicar General Msgr. Slađan Ćosić, Msgr. Željko Čuturić and the prefect of the capitol of Vrhbosna and the rector of the cathedral Msgr. Ante Meštrović.

After the welcome and personal congratulations, cardinal Puljić delivered a commendable greeting in which he thanked everyone for their congratulations and good wishes for Christmas and New Year.

“In celebration of Christmas, we Christians celebrate God who was born as a child, to bring man closer to God, to man himself and his companions on earth. I consider this our fellowship, too, to congratulate Christmas, by creating an atmosphere of trust and openness, respect for our diversity in equality. We are particularly concerned about the law of restitution of seized property, which is not being passed, and in the meantime, our property is being disposed of, booked and sold without the consent of the Church”, the cardinal said, emphasizing that the Church does not ask for alms, but only the right to have a living.

“When the state provides some help, it is not charity, but repayment of debt because it has been using church property for so many years without compensation, especially since it has built many buildings on church land, and the Church, when it needs a location, has to buy that land”, he warned.

He also problematized the health and retirement benefits of priests and religious officials, whom he said are viewed by many as damaging the state, without seeing how much the state lived on church property. “I guess these people deserve their rights as citizens by working for the good of the people”, said cardinal Vinko, drawing attention to the issue of VAT, which the Church pays in all segments of the trade in goods.

Finally, in the new 2020 year, he wished everyone harmony and peace, and emphasized that he wanted the Election Law to be passed as soon as possible.