"I have witnessed with how much love the developments surrounding the Holy Father have been followed. I felt his attachment to the Croatian people," Lozano said during the service.
Lozano said that John Paul II had spread the message of truth and peace throughout his pontificate. "History will show the place and role of Pope John Paul II, and I consider his pontificate the most fruitful in the history of the Church," he added.
"The departure of the Holy Father and his life to the last day were in the service of the Church and man. We are confident that already now he enjoys bliss in heaven and we can count on him as our representative before the merciful God," the nuncio said to the applause of the faithful.
Lozano will say mass in the Zagreb Cathedral at 1800 hours on Friday, the day of the pope's burial.