On March 18, 1945, during World War II, Cardinal Aloysius Stepinac delivered a significant sermon at the Sacred Heart Basilica in Zagreb, where he voiced strong opposition to communism. He affirmed his commitment to protecting the Church's freedoms and advocated for the Croatian people's right to establish their own state. Stepinac’s words were profound, stating that such a state was essential for preserving the faith and religious freedom of its citizens. He positioned the Catholic Church against the communist regime, which he believed would undermine family values and individual rights.

Stepinac's steadfastness in his beliefs later led to his martyrdom in the face of an oppressive regime. In his sermon, he warned against the communist system that aimed to confiscate land from farmers, homes from artisans, and deny workers the fruits of their labor. He stressed the importance of the family as a divine institution which forms the foundation of society, thus highlighting the Church's stance against a system that would challenge those traditional values. His declarations resonated with the Croatian people during a time of severe political repression.

The aftermath of Stepinac's sermon saw the Croatian nation entering a long period of suffering under communist tyranny, which lasted for decades. It wasn't until 1990 that Croatia finally regained independence, a struggle marked by substantial sacrifice. The historical significance of Stepinac's words remains evident, as they reflect the enduring struggle for freedom and the role of faith in the quest for national identity. His legacy continues to influence discussions around religion, statehood, and human rights in Croatia today.