Croatia: Nun Stabbed in Zagreb in Alleged Religiously Motivated Attack

The victim, Sister Marija Tatjana Zrno, 34, originally from Šujica in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, sustained a stab wound to the abdomen but managed to return to her convent before being taken to the Sestre Milosrdnice Hospital, where doctors confirmed she is not in a life-threatening condition.

The attack occurred in Zagreb’s Malešnica district. The hospital notified the Zagreb Police Department upon admitting the victim. Police confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine all circumstances and have not released further official details about the perpetrator. Officers are also assessing the possibility of religious or ideological motivation, which the Catholic Information Agency (IKA) notes remains under investigation.

The news was first reported by journalist Marin Vlahović on social media, who wrote, “I just learned from a source I trust that a nun was admitted to a hospital in Zagreb with a stab wound, allegedly attacked by a migrant who was shouting religious slogans. I would not have published the information if it had not come from an unofficial source that has never deceived me. When I know more, I will publish that too.”

Bosnian media outlet Jabuka further reported that the attacker may have attempted to stab the nun multiple times.

“The nun was admitted to the hospital at around 3 p.m. with a sharp object injury to the abdominal wall. The patient is not in a life-threatening condition and is undergoing further medical treatment and care,” the University Hospital Center Zagreb confirmed.

Sister Marija is known publicly for her work with young people and for her enthusiasm for football — a passion that led her to occasional television appearances on Laudato TV, where she won broad popularity.

The incident has prompted a strong reaction across Croatian society. Public figures, clergy, journalists, and political representatives issued messages of support and alarm over the attack, as well as criticism directed at parts of the Croatian media for what some see as restraint or omission regarding the alleged background of the attacker.

As cited by Croatian outlet Narod, Member of the European Parliament Marijana Petir denounced the stabbing as “an attack on the values of Croatian society and Europe” and called for a rapid investigation and accountability. She wished the nun a swift recovery.

Priest Stjepan Ivan Horvat urged the public not to respond with hatred or calls for revenge, citing Christian teaching on love for others even in the face of violence. He wished the attacker a just punishment coupled with repentance and conversion.

Journalist Marin Vlahović, who first reported the stabbing, criticized what he described as double standards in Croatian media, arguing that in cases involving migrants, outlets often avoid referencing details that would otherwise be emphasized in similar incidents.

“This is not about respecting certain professional standards, but about a selective approach and false political correctness, where migrants and asylum seekers are approached with particular sensitivity, as a vulnerable group, which must be protected from all possible prejudices and possible discrimination, even though we have already had attacks and murders committed by them, and with a knife,” he wrote.

Other commentators echoed that sentiment. Ivan Pokupec stated that early reports in mainstream outlets omitted mention of the alleged “Allahu Akbar” shout, calling this “disgusting” and politically selective.

Stjepo Bartulica, Croatian MEP, warned that Croatia is following a broader European trend where “security is compromised,” and asked where human rights advocates were in the wake of such an attack.

Cleric Don Vinko Puljić characterized the stabbing as an attack on Croatia’s cultural and religious identity, arguing that the nun was targeted because she visibly represented the Catholic faith. “Marija Tatjana is guilty because she is a nun and wears a cross around her neck. In the times to come, we need a strong Church more than ever,” he wrote.

Police spokespersons have confirmed only the basic facts: a woman with a sharp-object injury was admitted to the hospital, her life is not at risk, and investigations are continuing. They have not commented on claims regarding the suspect’s nationality, religious slogans, or motive.