The letter from Pope John VIII to Prince Branimir at the end of the 9th century is a significant historical document confirming the existence and independence of the medieval Croatian state. In the letter, the Pope calls Branimir his beloved son and congratulates him on his rule, thereby confirming Branimir’s jurisdiction over Illyrian territories and Croatia’s independence from the major powers of the time, the Frankish and Byzantine Empires. The letter was discovered in the 19th century during a period of rising Croatian nationalism and was used as evidence of the antiquity and sovereignty of the Croatian state, especially in the context of resistance to Magyarization. Sources from that era are scarce, but the Pope’s letter remains one of the key proofs of organized statehood of the Croats in the early Middle Ages.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources tend to emphasize the historical significance of the letter as a symbol of early Croatian statehood and national identity, often highlighting the role of the Catholic Church in shaping medieval European politics. They may also discuss the letter in the context of cultural heritage and the importance of acknowledging diverse historical narratives in the Balkans.
Center: Centrist sources report the letter as an important historical document confirming the existence of a medieval Croatian state under Prince Branimir, focusing on the diplomatic relations between the Papacy and early Croatian rulers. They present the letter as a factual piece of history without strong nationalistic or ideological framing, emphasizing its role in understanding medieval European geopolitics.
Right: Right-leaning sources often highlight the letter as a proof of Croatian sovereignty and independence from foreign powers, using it to support narratives of national pride and historical continuity. They may stress the letter’s role in legitimizing Croatian claims against historical revisionism and external influences, particularly in the context of 19th-century national movements and resistance to Magyarization.
