First Day of the Faculty of Law of the Catholic University of Croatia Marked

The Faculty of Law of the Catholic University of Croatia celebrated its first Faculty Day on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, on the feast of St. Martin, its heavenly patron.

The celebration began with a Holy Mass presided over by Prof. Ante Crnčević, Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission of the University, and concelebrated by Prof. Željko Tanjić, Ph.D., Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Assist. Prof. Krunoslav Novak, Ph.D., Secretary-General of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference, Dr. Ilija Dogan, Deputy Secretary-General of the CBC, Prof. Jerko Valković, Ph.D., from the Department of Communication Studies, Dr. Alen Lulić, and University Chaplain Rev. Branimir Jagodić.

In his homily, Prof. Crnčević emphasized that it was fitting for the first Day of the Faculty of Law to begin in the chapel, before the Lord, since that is where the Faculty’s journey truly began — in prayer and discernment. “Here we sought inspiration and prayed for light when uncertainty and doubt obscured our path. We are here today to give thanks for every inspiration, for every pause when we wanted to move faster, and for every encouragement when we felt weary,” he said. Reflecting on the Gospel passage chosen for the feast of St. Martin, he highlighted the verb to clothe — a reminder of St. Martin’s act of charity and a symbol of how Christ cares for us. “Dear students, know that this quiet place is always open to you, that here you can be wrapped in love and comfort whenever you feel wounded by human injustice or realize that human justice alone cannot bring true joy,” concluded Crnčević.

The ceremony continued in the Aula Magna of the University, attended by numerous distinguished guests: Archbishop Dražen Kutleša, Metropolitan of Zagreb and Grand Chancellor of the University; Cardinal Josip Bozanić; Apostolic Nuncio to Croatia, H.E. Giorgio Lingua; Assist. Prof. Krunoslav Novak, Ph.D., Secretary-General of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference; Prof. Radovan Fuchs, Ph.D., Minister of Science, Education and Youth, representing the Prime Minister; Dr. Ivan Malenica, representing the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament; Damir Habijan, Minister of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation; Gordana Jalšovečki, Acting President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia; Neven Pelicarić, Foreign and European Policy Advisor to the President of the Republic; Academician Velimir Neidhardt, President of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts; ambassadors of Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lithuania, and Spain; judges of the Constitutional, Supreme, and High Commercial Courts; state secretaries Dr. Tereza Rogić Lugurić and Margareta Mađetić; as well as numerous lawyers, attorneys, notaries, deans, professors, and representatives of the Church, business, culture, and media.

In his opening address, Rector Željko Tanjić stated:

“Throughout nearly twenty years of its existence, the Catholic University of Croatia has witnessed many important and symbolic celebrations that have marked its growth and mission within the Church and Croatian society. Today’s celebration — the first Day of our newly established Faculty of Law, which this year welcomed its first generation of students — is one such milestone. Legal studies have always held a distinguished place among university disciplines, and canon law itself profoundly shaped the development of legal sciences in Croatia, until its removal during the dark years of communism. Preparations for launching the study of law began in 2020 and bore fruit when, on 11 November 2024, the Agency for Science and Higher Education issued the University its accreditation, followed by the Senate’s decision on 12 November 2024 to establish the Faculty of Law. Behind these brief lines stand years of dedication, effort, and love for the University and for the legal sciences. To all who have contributed, I express our deepest gratitude to God for His guidance and to you for your work and commitment.”

Minister Damir Habijan noted that during recent meetings with all deans of Croatian law faculties, the recurring theme was the public perception of the judiciary:

“Perception is like a mosaic — if all elements function well together, the overall image is strong. If they are excellent but disconnected, perception suffers. We are working to improve that image daily. To you, our students, I say: your path will be demanding, but the opportunities are equally great. Be proud to belong to the Catholic University of Croatia, and we look forward to collaborating with you in the future.”

Minister Radovan Fuchs congratulated the University on the Faculty’s first anniversary:

“I am delighted that legal studies have now taken root at the Catholic University of Croatia. This new program emphasizes both theory and practice — in classrooms, courtrooms, registries, and law offices. I believe the Faculty will continue to grow and that its students will cultivate strong moral and ethical principles. Law is the foundation of every democratic society — there can be no community without established and respected rules.”

Archbishop Dražen Kutleša emphasized the Faculty’s mission within today’s cultural context:

“In an age of relativism and the reduction of human dignity to subjective perception, the establishment of a Faculty of Law within a Catholic university is profoundly significant. It reaffirms the Church’s trust in the rule of law and in humanity’s capacity to order life justly. Law is not a mere set of regulations but a living dialogue between norms and values, order and freedom. At a Catholic university, law must be taught not merely as a technical skill but as a vocation to service — to safeguard justice and truth.”

Finally, Assoc. Prof. Kristian Turkalj, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Law, addressed the audience:

“The road to founding this Faculty was long and demanding. We studied law programs across Croatia, Europe, and the world to design an innovative approach to legal education and carefully selected our teaching staff — some from all four Croatian law faculties. We have established partnerships with numerous institutions in Croatia and abroad. To our first generation of students, remember that the spotlight will be on you — your success and your integrity will shape how this Faculty is perceived. May you seek truth and justice in your studies and careers, and use your knowledge for the common good.”

The academic program continued with a lecture by Prof. Davor Vidas, Ph.D., Legal Science and Program Development Advisor, titled “The Concept of the Law Program at the Faculty of Law of the Catholic University of Croatia,” followed by a panel discussion, “The Future of Legal Studies – Challenges of Agenda 2050,” featuring Prof. Aleksandra Korać Graovac, Ph.D. (University of Zagreb), Prof. Dario Đerđa, Ph.D. (Dean, University of Rijeka), and Darko Milković, Judge of the Supreme Court and President of the State Judicial Council.