More than 60,000 people signed a petition delivered Wednesday to Croatia's government calling for the removal of public Catholic men's prayers that promote patriarchal authority from city squares.

The prayers, led by the conservative Catholic men's group "Be Manly", have been held across Croatia on the first Saturday of every month since 2022.

They have attracted a small but dedicated following in the staunchly Catholic nation of 3.8 million people, where traditional values are widespread.

The group -- often referred to as the "kneelers" -- promotes modest dress for women, opposes premarital sex and demands an absolute abortion ban.

Their prayers have sparked small counter-protests, and critics say the group's calls foster intolerance aimed at restricting women's rights.

On Wednesday,

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