"The Government of the Republic of Croatia pays its last respects to the Great Pope, expresses its deep sadness and offers condolences on the departure of the Supreme Pontiff, an excellent statesman and a loyal friend of the Croatian people. Pope John Paul II, without doubt the highest moral figure of our time, left peacefully, with dignity and courage. With his suffering he demonstrated the strength of spirit and faith in his frail, weary body. He is gone into eternity and he has left us all the task to continue on the path with the same honour and dedication as he did."
"... He encouraged Croatia in the most difficult moment, being among those who were the first to recognise its sovereignty and independence."
"In the last 11 years of his pontificate, the Pope visited Croatia three times. Poland was the only country he visited more often. He confirmed that our path was the right one and that Croatia had always belonged to Europe. We are grateful to the Holy Father for his grace and proud that he was a reliable friend to us."
The Vatican was the first state which Prime Minister Ivo Sanader visited in his capacity as Croatia's prime minister in January 2004. A year later, a delegation led by PM Sanader was the last foreign delegation to be received officially by the Pope."
"Karol Wojtyla will celebrate his 85th birthday in May with angels. The holy man whom we got to know and loved is gone with time and space, but he has left an indelible mark. He will rightfully remain in the memory of humankind," reads the statement.