In his statement on Grubisic's political activity, sent to press on Thursday, Barisic said that clerical service was incompatible with active membership of a political party.

"Since priests' main duty is to serve unity, they must always and everywhere promote peace and concord based on equity. In that regard, church rules are very clear and they explicitly forbid the clergy to assume public offices that imply participation in civil government and to actively participate in political parties. The Church is against the active involvement of its clergy in politics," Barisic said in the statement, among other things.

Grubisic recently announced his participation in forthcoming parliamentary elections, as head of an independent list.