Belgrade, Nov. 9-11

The Catholic Archbishop of Belgrade Mons. Stanislav Hocevar organized an international conference “The European Identity” at the premises of the National Bank of Serbia, the Europe whose moral and legal roots are inextricably linked to Christian Civilization.
The Serbian public opinion, together with the Government and the Parliament, is particularly sensitive to this topic which is fundamental for life and future of the country constantly commited to its full integration into the European Union.
Ambassador Alberto di Luca and his colleagues from the diplomatic mission of the Order, took part in the event which had an extensive media coverage.
The activities continued at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Belgrade with the signing of an interreligious document for Peace by all the spiritual leaders present: Catholics, Orthodoxes, Protestants, Jews, and Muslims. A large image of the Madonna and a plant “Burning Bush” were subsequently blessed in the garden between the Archbishop’s residence and the Embassy of the Order. The Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna, President of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference and the knight of the Order of Malta – guest of honor during the three days of study and reflection has visited the Embassy of the Order, accompanied by the Ambassador of Austria to Belgrade, H.E. Mr. Nikolaus Lutterotti for a meeting with Ambassador di Luca who emphasized to the illustrious guest the medical, social and humanitarian initiatives – with particular reference to the “Make a WISH” project now in its fifth edition – promoted by the Embassy in Serbia.
The talks touched upon topics of widespread activities of the Order of Malta all over the world, in the context of an increasingly extensive and internationally relevant presence as demonstrated by the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Federal Republic of Germany and, last October, with the Republic of Nauru which is the 108th member state of the United Nations that recognized the Sovereign Order.

Minister of the Foreign Affairs Mr. Ivica Dacic with Ambassador Alberto di Luca and Director of the “Make a WISH” Project, prof. Nenad Prokic.

After the Holy Mass held at the Catholic Cathedral in Belgrade, Ambassador di Luca and the Director of the “Make a WISH” Project, prof. Nenad Prokic had a cordial talk with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ivica Dacic . They stated the excellent bilateral relations with reference to countless initiatives undertaken by the Embassy in many parts of the country.
At the end of the Sunday Mass in the Church “Christ the King”, recently restored with the help of the faithful, H.E. Mons. Hocevar presented “A letter of Appreciation” to the Embassy of the Order for its constant and significant support.

In the photo above: At the premises of the Embassy, H. Em. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna, President of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference and the Knight of the Order of Malta; on the right: H.E. Catholic Archbishop of Belgrade Mons. Stanislav Hocevar, Ambassador of Austria to Belgrade, H.E. Mr. Nikolaus Lutterotti; and on the left: Ambassador Alberto di Luca.