Catholic Culture Resources
Catholic Culture Resources
Catholic World News

Croatian court overturns conviction of Cardinal Stepinac

July 22, 2016

A Croatian court has overturned the conviction of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, who was convicted of treason in a show trial under Communist rule in 1946.

Cardinal Stepinac, an implacable foe of Communism, was accused by the government of cooperating with fascist nationalist groups during World War II. His conviction was widely recognized as the result of a staged trial. He died in 1960 while still under house arrest, and was beatified as a martyr by Pope John Paul II in 1998.

The wartime role of Cardinal Stepinac remain a source of controversy. Earlier this month a joint commission of Roman Catholic and Serbian Orthodox officials began a historical inquiry, intended to remove uncertainties about the prelate's activities. 

 

 


For all current news, visit our News home page.


 
Further information:
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

  • Posted by: jacquebquique5708 - Jul. 22, 2016 6:52 PM ET USA

    Stepinac in the words of "McCloud" tv detective was "between a rock and a hard place". The Ustashi in Croatia were Nazi. Communists were the opposition. Stepinac earned his martyr's crown. JPII suffered forced labor under the Nazis. He then fought the Communists in Poland and suffered an assassination attempt at the hands of an Islamic shooter in the employ of the Russians. Instead of being the "Great Manipulator" Francis needs to stand up for what is right in the vision of Stepinac and Wotija.