They will recover

Past September, during the Plenary of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), Monsignor Franjo Komarica, bishop of Banja Luka, called upon religious representatives and European politicians to focus on the tragedy of Bosnia-Herzegovina, that still bears the scars of the war fought twenty years ago, which impacted the future of countless people, which continues to affect the lives of those who stayed and of those who were forced to leave. Monsignor Komarica, interviewed by Nike Giurlani for SIR Europe, examines the daily problems experienced by Catholics and by all the members of that "multireligious and multicultural society".In this particular moment of crisis that has hit all of Europe, which particular problems are experienced by the Catholics of Bosnia-Herzegovina? "Catholics share with other citizens of our Country all the consequences of such a serious crisis. But in those places where Catholics, are a minority, like in the case of the Serb Republic and of the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, it’s much harder to find a job. In diocesan and parish Caritas every day an increasing number of people arrive who suffer from hunger and are in serious financial straits". Is the possibility of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s EU adhesion viewed as a threat or as a hope? "Unfortunately, all forecasts are thwarted by the exclusiveness, indecision and lack of unity characterising local politicians and the international leaders. Those responsible for the present and the near future of Bosnia-Herzegovina should identify the best ways to lead the Country towards openness to the EU and to euro-Atlantic integration".As regards situation of the Church, recent surveys show strong decreases in the number of faithful. What can be done? "First of all it should be said that the Croatian population is Catholic and that our policymakers failed to adopt effective, serious measures to counter decreasing numbers of Croatians in Bosnia-Herzegovina. There ensues that also the number of Catholics is decreasing. Many old people are no longer with us while the younger generation, forced to leave their homeland during the war, were not given the possibility to return. The Church, through family counselling and marriage preparation courses does her utmost to accompany those couples that wish to have children. With this purpose in mind we created the ‘Yes to life’ fund, which provides financial support to large families with more than three children. Moreover, over the past months I advocated the return of Croatian refugees to Bosnia-Herzegovina, especially to the republic of Serbia, also through financial support, in meetings with politicians and diplomats". Which resources could help overcome this difficult situation? "Bosnia-Herzegovina has many natural resources: its rivers, forests, minerals, arable land… It could easily provide enough food to a larger part of the population compared to the pre-war period. Its people are ingenious and industrious, but investments are lacking. They want to get back on their feet. Unfortunately the Rule of Law is still lacking. There is widespread corruption, which causes inertia and lack of enthusiasm. Those who have the means prefer to leave the Country. That’s why we’re planning to hold an international conference here in Banja Luka next spring that will attract the attention of religious leaders, politicians, as well as educators, social workers and journalists. We want to make a decisive step for the whole Country". Which results for the Catholic Church and for the Country do you hope to achieve in 2013? "A few days ago we welcomed in Sarayevo the new resident Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Luigi Pezzuto. Also with his support we hope to solve the situation of many parish communities that have been devastated during the war, thus stepping up the unity of our Church. I hope that in 2013, the Year of Faith, personal faith will grow stronger, for joint Christian witness. I also hope that the unity of our Church, which is forced to be a minority in our multicultural and multireligious society, may always provide a precious and vital contribution to our community. I also wish that all exiled Catholics may return to their homeland and that national and international policymakers may finally disregard party interests and conflicts of all kinds. The time has come to join our forces and cooperate, to reorganize the whole structure of the State on the basis of international directives, so that Bosnia-Herzegovina may be considered a European Country in all respects".