Author: Katarina Tadic

The Croatian Prince Branimir, 9th century, made important steps in strengthening the relations with Rome. During the solemn divine service in St. Peter’s church in Rome in 879, Pope John VIII gave his blessing to the prince and the whole Croatian people, about which he informed Branimir in his letters, the first one dated on May 21, 879. This was the first time that the Croatian state was officially recognized (at that time the international legitimacy was given by the Pope), which, as we see, happened more than eleven centuries ago! On the photo old a detail from Croatian pre-Romanesque monument from the 9th century containing the name of Branimir.

The first international recognition of Croatia came in May 21st 879 from Pope John VIII, i.e. in the 9th century, in his two letters to Croatian prince Branimir. He gave his blessings to the prince and the whole Croatian people. Croatians live in Europe near the Adriatic coast since the 7th century.

The first international recognition of Croatia came on May 21, 879 from Pope John VIII, that is, 1131 years ago. During the solemn divine service in St. Peter’s church in Rome in 879, Pope John VIII gave his blessing to Croatian prince Branimir and the whole Croatian people, about which he informed the prince in his letters. A detail of Croatian sacral monument from 9th century can be seen on the left, with the name of prince Branimir.

The first international recognition of Croatia came on May 21, 879 from Pope John VIII, that is, 1130 years ago. During the solemn divine service in St. Peter’s church in Rome in 879, Pope John VIII gave his blessing to Croatian prince Branimir and the whole Croatian people, about which he informed the prince in his letters. A detail of Croatian sacral monument from 9th century can be seen on the left, with the name of prince Branimir.