Reassessing the Holy See’s Policy toward the Serbian Orthodox Population in the Western Balkans before the Second World War

This study aims to reassess the position of the Roman Catholic Church regarding the Serbian Orthodox population in the period leading up to the establishment of the Independent State of Croatia. Due to the broad chronological and geographical scope of the topic, the analysis is focused on micro case studies, including the question of religious “communion” the role of Catholic clergy in the Croatian national movement, the Concordat between Yugoslavia and the Vatican, and Catholic Action. By examining these focal points, the study seeks to explore the cultural, political, and ideological dynamics of the Catholic Church’s relationship with the Serbian Orthodox population. Furthermore, the research highlights certain continuities in this relationship, culminating in the persecution, oppression, and genocide of the Serbian people during the existence of the Independent State of Croatia.