Croatian President ivo Josipovic said on Sunday evening the the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Croatia was an important state event during which the Croat people received support for joining the European Union.
"The pope's visit to Croatia was truly a big event. It was a big support to Croatia's efforts to enter the European Union. On the other hand, it was clearly a very important pastoral event. Our citizens, Catholic faithful greeted the pope with enthusiasm," Josipovic said at Zagreb's Pleso airport, after the pontiff departed for Rome.
Josipovic said the messages which the Holy Father send to the faithful would be motivating at the time of a referendum on Croatia's EU entry.
"The pope once again underlined that Croatia belonged to the European circle and I believe that this will be motivating for Croatian citizens when time comes to hold the referendum," Josipovic said.
