Zagreb (IKA) – On the occasion of the death of Pope John Paul II, the Government of the Republic of Croatia issued a statement in which sorrow is expressed at the death of the Father but also gratitude for all that he did for the Republic of Croatia. “An excellent preacher, a great philosopher and a powerful communicator, he was a good man, a humble son and faithful friend. He bestowed special love and strength upon the Croatian nation. He encouraged Croatia at the most difficult moments, and was among the first to recognize the sovereignty and independence of the young state,” reads the statement of the Government of the Republic of Croatia issued by the Government Office for Public Relations, and recalls how the Pope in his last official audience at the Vatican Palace in late March received a delegation from the Croatian Government, led by Prime Minister Ivo Sanader. The Croatian prime minister on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Croatia and on his own behalf, expressed condolences to the Carmerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo.