Zagreb - Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković extended his Christmas greetings on Tuesday to Croatian citizens and Croats at home and abroad, calling for more concrete solidarity with those living in poverty, fear, or facing personal tragedies.
"At the heart of the celebration of Jesus' birth are messages of faith, love and hope, peace, and family joy. However, instead of Christmas cheer, this year in Croatia we approach this holiday deeply shaken by the consequences of a fatal attack in a Zagreb school. Therefore, these days, our thoughts are first and foremost with the family of the tragically deceased pupil. May this Christmas bring them comfort and strength to endure these indescribably difficult moments," Jandroković wrote.
The world we live in is becoming increasingly unpredictable, with violence becoming a part of everyday global life, he said.
"We are witnessing, even this Christmas, clouds of uncertainty and anxiety, and the darkness of war hovering over the lives of so many people. Such a fragile and unstable environment continuously calls on us to jointly seek solutions that can bring a safer tomorrow for all. For us Christians, this is also a powerful incentive for more concrete solidarity with all those who observe the festive cheer in poverty and fear, isolation, and the margins of society, who suffer or endure personal tragedies."
"May this Christmas, therefore, bring the much-needed blessing of peace and genuine spiritual renewal to hearts and homes across Croatia. And may it inspire faith and optimism in all of us so that, with greater mutual understanding and respect, we can make our world a more just, harmonious, and peaceful place," Jandroković concluded.