Josip Bozanić

Stored: Josip Bozanić

His Eminence Josip Bozanić
Bishop of College of Cardinals
Home diocese:	Archdiocese of Zagreb
Other diocese 1:	Diocese of Krk
Other diocese 2:
Other diocese 3:
Ordination:	29 June 1975 by Bishop Karmelo Zazinović
Consecration:	25 June 1989 by Cardinal Franjo Kuharić
Rank:	Cardinal
Created cardinal:	21 October 2003 by Pope John Paul II
Personal details
Born:	Josip Bozanić 20 March 1949 Rijeka, Croatia
Died:
Nationality:	Croatia
Education:	Pontifical Gregorian University
Motto:	"Da bi se Bog slavio"
Role:	Emeritus
Theology:	Conservative
Region:	Central Europe
Rite:	Roman Rite
Conclave Eligibility:	Eligible

Cardinal Josip Bozanić, born (1949-03-20) March 20, 1949, is a Croatian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop of Zagreb from 1997 to 2023 and elevated to cardinal in 2003 by Pope John Paul II. Ordained a priest in 1975 for the Diocese of Krk and consecrated a bishop in 1989, he led as Primate of Croatia, participating in the 2005 and 2013 conclaves that elected Popes Benedict XVI and Francis, respectively. His conservative theology, reflected in his motto "Da bi se Bog slavio" ("That God may be glorified"), emphasized traditional marriage, as seen in his 2013 campaign for Croatia’s marriage referendum, and social justice, critiquing economic disparities in 1997. Bozanić’s tenure strengthened Croatian Catholicism through initiatives like the Catholic University of Zagreb, but his health issues and perceived administrative missteps drew criticism. Retired since 2023 and confirmed to attend the 2025 papal conclave at age 76, as noted on X, his papal candidacy is unlikely due to his regional focus and health concerns (Post ID: 1, 2, 5, 7).

Bozanić’s academic background in dogmatic theology and canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian and Lateran Universities shaped his leadership, notably as President of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference (1997–2007) and Vice-President of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (2001–2011). His intervention in dismissing a radical editor of *Glas Koncila* in 2020 showcased his authority, though it sparked debate. Despite speculation about a Vatican role, his influence in the post-Francis Church is limited to his conclave vote, with X posts reflecting mixed sentiment on his legacy (Post ID: 0, 6). His attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral procession in 2025 underscores his symbolic role as a Croatian cardinal (Post ID: 1, 2, 7).

Biography

Birth and early life

Josip Bozanić was born on March 20, 1949, in Rijeka, Croatia (then Yugoslavia), to Ivan Bozanić and Dinka Valković, the eldest of four children. Raised in Vrbnik on Krk Island, his family’s Catholic faith and the legacy of his ancestor, Bishop Bartol Bozanić (1839–1854), inspired his vocation. He entered the minor seminary in Pazin at age 14, completing classical gymnasium in 1968.

Croatia’s post-war communist context shaped Bozanić’s commitment to the Church’s role in society. His fluency in Croatian, Italian, and English, and early engagement in parish work foreshadowed his leadership in a transitioning Croatia.

Education

Bozanić studied philosophy and theology at the Theological Faculties of Rijeka and Zagreb, earning a Master’s in theology in 1975. He pursued advanced studies in Rome (1979–1985), obtaining a Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University and a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University.

His education emphasized Vatican II’s call for pastoral engagement, equipping him to lead in Croatia’s post-communist era. Bozanić’s academic rigor prepared him for theological and administrative roles, blending doctrine with canonical expertise.

Priesthood

Ordained a priest on June 29, 1975, by Bishop Karmelo Zazinović for the Diocese of Krk, Bozanić served as Zazinović’s private secretary (1975–1976), parish priest in Mali Lošinj and Veli Lošinj (1976–1979), and vicar general of Krk (1987–1989). He taught sacramental theology at Rijeka’s Theological Institute and was chancellor of the Krk Curia.

His priesthood focused on catechesis and youth ministry amid Yugoslavia’s political constraints, earning him recognition as a dynamic pastor and administrator, paving the way for his episcopal appointment.

Bishop

Consecrated Bishop of Krk on June 25, 1989, by Cardinal Franjo Kuharić, Bozanić served until 1997, becoming one of Europe’s youngest bishops at 40. He was apostolic administrator of Rijeka-Senj (1996) and appointed Archbishop of Zagreb in 1997, retiring in 2023 due to health issues. Elevated to cardinal in 2003 with the title Cardinal-Priest of San Girolamo dei Croati, he participated in the 2005 and 2013 conclaves.

Bozanić’s tenure included leading the 2013 marriage referendum, strengthening Croatian Catholic identity, but faced criticism for administrative decisions and health-related withdrawal (Web ID: 10, 19). Eligible for the 2025 conclave at age 76, his participation is confirmed (Post ID: 1, 2, 7), though health concerns limit his influence (Post ID: 10). [](https://x.com/Mrki_IT/status/1914398493906554902)

Diocese	Role	Start Date	End Date	Notes
Diocese of Krk	Bishop	25 June 1989	5 July 1997	One of Europe’s youngest bishops
Archdiocese of Zagreb	Archbishop	5 July 1997	15 April 2023	Primate of Croatia, led marriage referendum

Significant events

• Entered Pazin Minor Seminary in 1963.
• Ordained priest for the Diocese of Krk in 1975.
• Consecrated Bishop of Krk in 1989.
• Appointed Archbishop of Zagreb in 1997.
• Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003.
• Participated in the 2005 and 2013 conclaves.
• Led Croatia’s 2013 marriage referendum campaign.
• Retired as Archbishop of Zagreb in 2023.
• Confirmed attendance at 2025 conclave.

Books

Written about the bishop

• No known books specifically about Cardinal Bozanić.

Written by the bishop

• Pastirska Pisma by Josip Bozanić, ISBN 978-9531105248

External links

• Josip Cardinal Bozanić at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
• Biography of Cardinal Josip Bozanić at Vatican Press Office
• Vatican News article on Bozanić’s retirement