On 5 July 1997, the Holy See announced the decision of the Holy Father, John Paul II, to establish new dioceses with headquarters in Požega and Varaždin. Dividing the territory of the Zagreb Archdiocese, the Holy Father founded the new Diocese of Varaždin, with its headquarters in Varaždin, the northwest of Croatia, under the bull Clarorum sanctorum, and for its first bishop he appointed Msgr. Marko Culej, former auxiliary bishop of Zagreb, who chose "life and peace" as his episcopal motto. The enthronement ceremony of Msgr. Marko Culej was held on 28 September 1997 in the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Varaždin, which became a cathedral with the founding of the Diocese. On the very day of his enthronement, the new bishop pointed out that the program of his episcopal service was to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ closer, not only to the faithful of his diocese, who at the founding of the Diocese numbered about 380,000 in a population of about 400,000, but to all people in general. Saint Mark of Križevci and Blessed Alojzije Stepinac were chosen as the Heavenly Protectors of the Diocese.
Stricken by illness, on 19 August 2006, Msgr. Marko Culej died. On 20 March 2007, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Msgr. Josip Mrzljak, auxiliary bishop of Zagreb, as the new bishop of Varaždin. The enthronement ceremony of Msgr. Mrzljak was celebrated on 31 March that same year. The new bishop, with his motto "to do good", continued the tradition of the Diocese, in the service of the gospel.
Due to his canonical age, Holy Father Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop Josip Mrzljak and on 1 August 2019 appointed Msgr. Božo Radoš, a priest of the Đakovo-Osijek Archdiocese, as the third bishop of Varaždin, whose episcopal motto is "serving the Lord joyfully". On 24 November 2019, on the Feast of Christ the King, the newly appointed bishop was ordained in the Varaždin Cathedral and continues the work of his honorable predecessors in the spreading of the gospel.
The Diocese of Varaždin is divided into three archdeaconries and 12 deaneries. It has 105 parishes, around 150 diocesan priests, approximately 15 religious priests and several male and female religious communities. Based on a rich tradition of faith, and with full confidence in its God-given anointed mission, the Diocese of Varaždin, led by its current shepherd, is going towards new pastoral challenges.
Diocese of Varaždin
