In this context the Vatican spokesman described Croatia as a country which "has overcome a turbulent period of the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and is preparing itself for a more active integration in the community of European nations through its admission to the European Union".
Lombardi spoke about Croatia's rich cultural heritage.
Prominent people are still inspiration for the Croatians on their path, such as Jesuit scholar Rudjer Boskovic, Blessed Ivan Merz, and particularly a great priest and martyr, Blessed Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, Lombardi said.
He added that Joseph Ratzinger, who is the current pontiff, had visited Croatia several times before he became the Holy Father.
The visit of Benedict XVI will be the fourth visit of the Bishop of Rome to Croatia. Pope John Paul II was in Croatia three times: in September 1994, in October 1998 and in June 2003 which was his 100th apostolic visit outside Italy.