Croatian Catholic Church accused of covering up clerical sexual abuse

A former seminary student claims he was sexually abused by a priest beginning at age 16 in the early 2000s, first at a Zagreb seminary and later during theological studies in Đakovo. The abuse allegedly continued for nearly a decade, leading the victim to develop alcohol and drug dependence and to be diagnosed with post‑traumatic stress disorder.

The case was first reported in 2012 to Bishop Antun Škvorčević, who noted written and digital evidence of the allegations, but no final action was taken. An internal church investigation was conducted, and the victim also informed senior church officials, including a cardinal in Vienna, who warned Croatian bishops and the Vatican. After the appointment of Bishop Ivo Martinović, the Požega diocese reported the matter to civil authorities and the Croatian Bishops’ Conference office for the protection of minors. Church officials say the matter is under ongoing investigation, while the victim’s accounts suggest a pattern of systematic concealment within the Croatian Catholic hierarchy.