Recalling that the Holy See and Croatia had strong historical ties, the pontiff pledged that the Vatican would support Croatia's aspirations to join the European Union.
He encouraged the bishops to be committed to Croatia's efforts to be admitted to the Union as a full member.
Commenting on the fact that Croatia was still feeling the consequences of its 1991-1995 war for independence, the pope urged the dignitaries to promote peaceful coexistence among all citizens of Croatia.
Zagreb Archbishop Bozanic, who informed Pope Benedict XVI of the situation in the country, invited him to visit Croatia.