Hocevar said the pope was not only the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, but primarily a man who built ties in the Christian community and between all religions in his search for peace, a prophet of our dignity who he said would be remembered as the greatest friend of humankind.
In the history of the Catholic Church, John Paul II will be remembered as one of the greatest popes. "As a genius of faith, a great philosopher and artist, he was able to lead the Church, Christianity and humankind into the third millennium and to emphasise the importance of respect for human life."
Serbia and Montenegro President Svetozar Marovic issued a statement extending condolences to all members of the Catholic Church, saying that John Paul II would be remembered "not only by Catholics throughout the world, but by the entire peace-loving humankind, for his tireless promotion of peace, cooperation between churches, and the good of peoples around the world".
Serbian President Boris Tadic today sent a letter of condolence to the Vatican, the Roman Catholic Church and all the faithful, Tadic's office said.
Tadic said that the 25 years of the pope's mission had left a deep mark on the world history and that he would be remembered for his work on the protection of Christian values.