The new Archbishop and Metropolitan of Vrhbosna, Tomo Vuksic, was officially presented to the Catholic community in BiH at the solemn Eucharistic celebration in the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Sarajevo.

“The essence of the Christian life is the joy of God’s love for people and all other creatures,” he said, stressing that many are oppressed through various forms of violence in the modern world.

Vuksic succeeded former Archbishop Vinko Puljic, whose request for retirement after serving the post for some 30 years was granted by Pope Francis in January.

“To you, dear brother in the diocese, Tomo, my dear heir, I entrust this episcopal staff, a symbol by which I entrust to you the administration of this local Church as a local pastor. I am also handing over to you the chair in this Cathedral from which you will perform your service,” Puljic said at the ceremony, adding that he will remain available for Vuksic should he ever need help.

The solemn liturgical presentation of Archbishop Vuksic to the community was attended by seven archbishops and 18 bishops, numerous priests, monks, nuns, religious representatives and representatives of the social, political and diplomatic sphere.