"We have lost a great man, and Croatia has lost a great friend," said Sanader, who met the Pope twice in his capacity as Prime Minister. Sanader was also the last senior foreign official to be received by the Pope.
The PM stressed that on each of his visits around the world the Pope promoted peace and equality and advocated the rights of the most deprived ones.
Croatia had a great friend in the Pope on its path of independence, democratisation and integration with the EU, he said.
Speaking of Croatia's international recognition, Sanader said that the Vatican abandoned its centuries-long practice and recognised Croatia on 13 January 1992, two days before other states.
Sanader recalled the Pope's three visits to Croatia - in 1994, 1998 and 2003, adding that Poland was the only country he had visited more frequently.
The Pope followed the Croatian people, from its resistance to the aggression to the establishment of democratic institutions and Croatia's integration with the EU, the PM said.
Sanader said that at his last meeting with the Pope on 22 February 2005, the signs of illness were evident, but the Pope was alive in spirit and stated that Croatia belonged to the EU and that the Vatican would do all to help it on its path to the EU.