Pope Benedict XVI has come out in clear support of Croatia’s entry to the EU during a two-visit to the country.

He received a warm welcome from the staunchly Catholic country when he touched down in Zagreb on Saturday.

He led a prayer vigil in the Croatian capital attended by thousands of people.

In a speech, the Pope said Croatia’s entry to the EU could help to preserve “that priceless common heritage of human and Christian values”.

“On the eve of Croatia’s full integration into the European Union, this country’s remote and recent history can stimulate reflection on the part of all the other peoples of the continent.”

He warned against the risks of “prevailing modern thought” and privatising faith.

“The crisis of the western world has no solution and Europe will inevitably regress if conscience is relegated to a private matter, as is for religion and morality.”

The Vatican was one of the first states to recognise Croatia when it declared independence 20 years ago.

The country is nearing the end of negotiations to enter the 27-member EU, although support has waned recently after Croatian commander General Ante Gotovina was sentenced for war crimes by The Hague in April.

The Pope spoke positively of Croatia’s entry to the EU, saying it was “logical, just and necessary”.

He also commended Croatia for its contribution to the “spiritual and moral values that for centuries have shaped the daily lives and the personal and national identify of Europe’s sons and daughters”.

On Sunday, the Pope will celebrate Mass to mark the National Day of the Catholic Families of Croatia and visit the tomb of controversial WWII Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac.