"I truly regret the replacement of the diocesan chancellor with whom I, as well as my associates, had excellent relations and exceptional cooperation. I understand the reasons for the replacement, but I do not want to interfere in church matters," said Jakovcic.

It is believed that Jakovljevic was replaced over his statements to the media in the case of the Dajla parish and disputes about the restitution of the Dajla monastery to Italian Benedictine monks from the Abbey of Praglia.

Even though there has been no official confirmation of Jakovljevic's dismissal, some media have reported that the Bishop of Porec and Pula, Ivan Milovan, replaced Jakovljevic on Thursday. The decision on his replacement has still not been published on the web site of the diocese, where Jakovljevic is still cited as the chancellor and contact person of the diocese.

Bishop Milovan on August 1 distanced himself from Jakovljevic's media statements regarding the current dispute between the Diocese of Porec and Pula and the Benedictine Abbey of Praglia, saying that he had not authorised Jakovljevic to make any statements.

Jakovljevic was unavailable for comment and diocesan officials said he was on holiday.