The visit of the Pope Francis to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Croatian post Ltd. Mostar)

Pope Francis recently made an official announcement that he will visit Bosnia on 6 June this year, in order to promote reconciliation, peace and inter-religious dialogue. His goal is also to encourage the Catholic community in Bosnia and give them support.

During his one-day visit, Pope Francis will meet with the Bosnian bishops, members of the presidency and the representatives of other religious communities in the country. The visit is likely to bring large number of Catholics to the Bosnia’s capital, some estimating that around 100,000 people will come from the neighboring countries. Preparations for the visit have already begun, and they will include not only religious, political and ceremonial, but also substantial security arrangements.

The Catholic Church in Bosnia & Herzegovina has always had strong relations with the Vatican, and previous pontiffs showed keen interest in the Balkans. John Paul II visited Bosnia & Herzegovina twice, in 1997 and 2003, and his statue can now be seen in front of the main Catholic Cathedral in Sarajevo.