An event of particular significance occurred in 1992, when after the fall of Communist rule, the declaration of Croatia's independence and its subsequent international recognition, it became possible for the Holy See and Croatia to exchange diplomatic envoys, for the first time in the millennial history of Croatia. Unfortunately, the terrible suffering caused by the conflict that continues to gouge deep wounds in this country, cast a sad gloom over our delight at that. When the fighting subsided in Croatia, the war unfortunately spread into the neighbouring Bosnia-Herzegovina. Too much innocent blood has been shed. The Holy See continues, by all means available, to plead for the control of tensions and the establishment of justice and peace in the Balkans.
Peace requires effort and hard work but it is the sacred duty of every religious person.
Peace is possible wherever peace is sought in earnest. To achieve a peace which would be based upon justice and truth, we must first pray to our Lord for peace. That was why I called Catholics, members of other Christian communities and others of non-Christian faiths to come to Assisi in January 1993, and this year I initiated a similar Mass in the Basilica of Saint Peter, to mark the completion of the Week of Prayers for solidarity among all Christians. A prayer, however, needs to be supported by the generous effort of all people of good will. We need to promote a culture of peace, inspired by tolerance and common solidarity.