The main topic of the article concerns reactions to the death of Pope Francis and controversies surrounding Blessed Alojzije Stepinac. The article highlights that Pope Francis did not canonize Stepinac, which sparked various comments, especially from the political right. Stepinac is described as a controversial figure, a martyr and blessed, but not a saint, with criticisms regarding his alleged calculation and nationalist passions. The article also mentions political and social reactions to these topics, including views on Medjugorje issues and the influence of globalists. Other articles dealing with political and social controversies in Croatia, such as the concert of Marko Perković Thompson, are not directly related to this topic.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources tend to emphasize the controversial aspects of Blessed Stepinac, highlighting his alleged nationalist tendencies and the criticism he faced for not condemning Ustaše crimes strongly enough. They also stress that Pope Francis did not canonize him, reflecting a cautious approach to his legacy. The left often critiques the glorification of Stepinac by right-wing politicians and questions the political motivations behind his beatification.
Center: Center-leaning sources present a balanced view, acknowledging Stepinac as a martyr and a significant religious figure, while also recognizing the controversies surrounding his role during World War II. They report on the reactions to Pope Francis’s death and the ongoing debates about Stepinac’s legacy without strong bias, providing context about the historical and political complexities involved.
Right: Right-leaning sources emphasize Stepinac’s status as a martyr and a blessed figure who stood against communist crimes. They often defend his legacy, criticizing those who question his sainthood or highlight his alleged nationalist tendencies. The right also tends to criticize globalists and left-wing politicians for their negative portrayal of Stepinac and supports the view that Pope Francis’s decision not to canonize him was politically motivated or disappointing.
