Presenting the bishops' message which the dignitaries issued on the occasion of the parliamentary polls and the EU entry referendum, Srakic reiterated a sentence from the document reading that "we do not have the right to complain about the circumstances in which we live if we do not want to influence them."

The archbishop called on believers active in political life to be courageous, properly organized and wholeheartedly advocate Christian attitudes concerning the respect for life, families, education and the culture of work.

He called on the relevant state authorities to enable all political parties and candidates to present their platforms suitably, without media blockades or exclusion.

As for the upcoming referendum on Croatia's admission to the European bloc, Srakic said that everyone should seriously and responsibly consider this matter, taking into account the truth about Croatia having been part of Europe for centuries and having taken part in the building of the cultural and social characteristics of Europe. In this context he underscored the importance of Croatian politicians' efforts to protect and promote the Croatian identity in Europe.

Asked by reporters to comment on the fact that Reverend Ivan Grubisic, a priest from the Split Archdiocese, would run in the parliamentary election, Archbishop Srakic said that according to the Church's regulations, a priest could participate in political life if allowed by the local bishop and the Holy See and provided that he did not mingle their political and pastoral activities.

Asked by the press about a statement by a priest in Varazdin who cautioned against voting for left-wing parties, the dignitary said that every time a priest sides with one political party he loses his authority among believers.

As for Monday's meeting between Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor and bishops for talks on property restitution, Srakic said that it was inappropriate to link such meetings with elections as, he said, there were always an election.