The vision of the Church in the Easter messages (1998–2023) of the Archbishop of Zagreb and Cardinal Josip Bozanić

Abstract

From 1998 to 2023, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Cardinal of Zagreb Josip Bozanić delivered his Easter messages to the faithful each year on the occasion of the greatest Christian feast: Easter. After a brief exposition of each message in the first paragraph, in the second paragraph, the article systematically presents the vision of the Church outlined by Cardinal Bozanić. There are four main ecclesiological themes within which the Cardinal speaks theologically about the Church and presents his vision of the Church: 1. the origin and mystery of the Church; 2. the holiness of the Church and the sinfulness of its members; 3. the preaching activity of the Church and 4. the social activity of the Church. The Church is sent to transform this world with the power of grace and mercy from the risen Christ himself. Despite all the difficulties the Church is facing, and especially despite the sinfulness of its members, Cardinal Bozanić has a positive and optimistic view of the Church.

Keywords

• josip bozanić
• the church
• easter messages
• christ
• the world