Croatian President Ivo Josipovic on Monday commented on Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign, saying that the reasons given for his resignation - age and ill health - were "the words of a responsible person".
Josipovic said that the Pope had done a lot for the world, using his spiritual authority in his calls for an end to conflicts and wars around the world, for peace and tolerance, for a victory of reason and love, and for reconciliation and forgiveness.
By visiting Croatia and with the messages he has sent, the Pope has reaffirmed the continued support of the Catholic Church for Croatia's accession to the European Union, Josipovic said, noting that the pontiff's visit to Croatia in June 2011 was a moral encouragement and a sign of hope to the citizens of Croatia, the majority of whom are Catholics and believers.
During his visit to Croatia, the Pope recalled the importance of respecting the specific characteristics of different religious and national identities, tolerance, and stronger ecumenical and interconfessional initiatives. He also highlighted the importance of cultural and moral values of a democratic society, many of which are a legacy of Christianity, Josipovic said.
Catholics are certainly glad about the Pope's confirmation that he will continue to serve the Church with dedication, Josipovic said.
Josipovic said that he had met with Benedict XVI twice -- once in the Vatican and the second time during his visit to Croatia. He said that the Pope had made a deep impression on him both as a statesman and a religious leader.
