In a statement to the media, Seks said it was difficult for him to find the right words to express his deep grief and pain at the news of the Holy Father's death.
"With all of his being inspired and sincerely filled with love towards his fellow men, the Holy Father tirelessly called for building a peaceful future, for the joy of forgiveness and life in unity," Seks said.
He said the Pope was a man turned to the future, a fighter for freedom, a protector of man and his rights, an apostle who lived the optimism of faith in direct contact with millions of people on his numerous trips to all continents, showing with his life the way that should be walked.
"Only a strong spiritual authority who could also see 'the signs of the new time' could have coped with the turmoils and challenges of the 20th century. Pope John Paul II embodied such an authority. He was deeply and painfully aware of all the injustices, resignation and everything else that the fast pace of modern time brings. His encouraging us to think our actions over and examine our conscience to the benefit of the common good, tolerance and understanding among all people and universal peace is a universal message that constitutes the essence of Christian faith and hope and is needed today more than ever," Seks said.
He also recalled the gratitude of the Croatian people towards the Pope, who he said in the fateful days of their struggle for freedom and international recognition decisively and unambiguously supported their will, as well as his open support to Croatia's full membership in the EU.
The Parliament Speaker said Croatians would never forget the Pope's visits to Croatia, adding that the world had lost the highest moral authority and example of humanity of today.