"The news on the death of the Holy Father, a great pope who dedicated his life to peace, freedom and mutual understanding, has deeply saddened me," Rugova said on Sunday.
"He was a great friend, a father who prayed much for Kosovo. We should pay credit to him for the freedom, independence and democracy of Kosovo," he added.
The pope showed great interest in Kosovo and called for solving outstanding issues through dialogue, bishop Sopi said.
Pope John Paul II showed great interest in every people and engaged himself not only in church issues but also in political and social ones, and made a great contribution to the resolution of problems, the Kosovo dignitary said.