Pope Francis will be remembered as "the pope who wanted to take one step further" and "who loved justice and peace," which is evident from the huge turnout of believers at his farewell, said Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Saturday.

After the funeral mass at the Vatican, the Prime Minister told journalists that the twelve years of Pope Francis' pontificate marked not only the Catholic Church but also humanity as a whole, particularly among the most vulnerable groups.

"He was a pope who loved justice and peace and advocated for them, and this was evident from the massive response of the faithful," Plenković said. It is estimated that around 200,000 worshipers and an exceptionally large number of statesmen arrived in the Vatican.

The Prime Minister called Pope Francis "the pope of the little man, of all nations and countries," emphasizing that this was felt "in his actions, books, sermons, and messages he sent, the countries he visited," and his efforts for peace and helping those in need, based on the main Christian principle of solidarity.

Plenković was among the last leaders to meet with Pope Francis, visiting the Holy Father on Easter, the day before his death. The Prime Minister said that it was an emotional moment for his family, although it was clear that Pope Francis was in fragile health.

Plenković added that the four meetings he had with Pope Francis were always meaningful.

"He radiated kindness, wisdom, with messages of peace and a desire to do good every day," said the Croatian Prime Minister.