# Pope John VIII recognises Croatia (879)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/879-pope-john-viii-recognises-croatia
Location: Croatia
Themes: Politics

In letters of 879, Pope John VIII blesses Duke Branimir and his people, recognising the Croatian duchy. Croatia turns firmly toward Rome and the Latin church. At this point in the timeline (879), the Bishop of Rome was Pope John VIII (14 December 872 – 16 December 882).

## Why it matters
It anchored Croatia in the Western, Latin church, a lasting divide from its Orthodox neighbours.

Pope at the time: [Pope John VIII](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-john-viii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Branimir of Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branimir_of_Croatia)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Pope John VIII recognises Croatia](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Pope+John+VIII+recognises+Croatia)
- [Wikipedia — Medieval Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Middle_Ages)