Croatia's President Stjepan Mesic, left, talks to Pope John Paul II during a private audience at the Vatican (news - web sites), Monday, Dec. 16, 2002. The pontiff announced he plans to visit Croatia next year, telling the visiting president he will stop in at least in four cities in a trip expected in the spring. (AP Photo/Filippo Monteforte, Pool) 

Croatia's president Stefan Mesic, left, presents Pope John Paul  II with a typical Croatian Christmas decoration shaped as an heart, during a private audience at the Vatican (news - web sites), Monday, Dec. 16, 2002. The pontiff announced he plans to visit Croatia next year, telling the visiting president he will stop in at least in four cities in a trip expected in the spring. Person at centre unidentified. (AP Photo/Filippo Monteforte)