Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller Visited the Catholic University of Croatia

Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, visited the Catholic University of Croatia on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, where he was joyfully welcomed by the Rector of the University, Professor Željko Tanjić, along with the vice-rectors and several faculty members. Upon his arrival in Zagreb, Cardinal Müller particularly wished to visit the Catholic University of Croatia, which he considers "his own university" as it awarded him the title of honorary doctor in 2016. During their fraternal conversation, the Cardinal took a lively interest in the life and development of the University, especially its efforts in fulfilling the Church's mission in the world of higher education, as well as its care for the truth about man and the preservation of human dignity amid the value shifts in European society.

Presenting the University's growth and the vision for its further development to the distinguished guest, Rector Tanjić highlighted the courage behind the idea of the University's founder, Cardinal Josip Bozanić. He also emphasized the readiness and substantial financial investments of the Archdiocese of Zagreb in launching and supporting the University's operations, whose visible development continues with the wholehearted support and fatherly care of the Archbishop of Zagreb and Grand Chancellor, Msgr. Dražen Kutleša. The role of the Government of the Republic of Croatia in supporting the University's development was also noted, particularly in securing non-repayable funds from the European Union Solidarity Fund and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which enabled the renovation and arrangement of the university campus following the Zagreb earthquake.

Cardinal Müller did not hide his satisfaction while touring the university campus, including its buildings with lecture halls, laboratories, specialized clinical classrooms, the university Great Hall, the university library, the television and radio studio, the student restaurant, and the newly renovated student dormitory, as well as the modern equipment that enables teaching and scientific development. Congratulating them on everything achieved so far, he expressed his joy that the university campus had been completely renovated and arranged in time for the University's 20th anniversary. He also expressed his happiness during encounters with faculty members and students, who testified to their satisfaction with studying at the Catholic University of Croatia.