"In more than a quarter of a century of his pontificate, the pope was not only a religious leader, he was a tireless fighter for better relations between peoples, states, civilisations and religions, which brought him the respect of millions of people around the world," Mesic said in a statement issued by his office.
Pope John Paul II was characterised by firm consistency, commitment to the Council principles and rootedness in modern world, as well as by insistence on some postulates that almost placed him among church conservatives, reads the statement.
"He was Peter's successor and at the same time a 20th century pope who led the Church into a new millennium, to leave this world at the beginning of the new millennium, after a long struggle with illness which in the last days of his life on earth took on characteristics of true heroism."
"Citizens of Croatia, not only the faithful, will remember Pope John Paul II with deep respect and sincere gratitude as a great friend, and will cherish his three historic visits to our country."
"He will be remembered as a great pope, a pope who tirelessly, on more than a hundred travels all over the world, literally until his last breath, spread the message of peace, love and faith," Mesic said among other things.