Croatian Catholic Church Faces Probe Over Decades-Long Abuse

The Zagreb Municipal State Attorney's Office confirmed that it is investigating a case of prolonged sexual abuse of a minor at the inter‑diocesan seminary on Šalata in Zagreb. The abuse allegedly began in the early 2000s and continued for about a decade, involving a senior priest who was not sanctioned.

The case was reportedly known to Croatian bishops and even Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, but was concealed for years. It was formally reported to the authorities after the appointment of Bishop Ive Martinović, who informed the national office of the Croatian Bishops' Conference. Prosecutors are conducting inquiries to determine whether there is sufficient suspicion to pursue criminal charges. The victim suffers post‑traumatic stress disorder and addiction issues as a result of the abuse.