TIRANA, March 14 /ATA/ – The problem of land ownership which risked the existence of Saint Piu X Catholic Church in Elbasan has been settled.
It was PM Edi Rama who handed over the certificate of ownership to the church on Wednesday. The Saint Piu X church is not the only religious institution caught up in this situation which the Albanian govt. has vowed to settle once and for all.
“I am so pleased that today we put an end to the long, senseless and painful ordeal for Catholic community and Albanian catholic church which, after enduring the flames of the dictatorship hell, had to fight for a quarter of a century with the flames of the administration hell. The truth of the matter is that its existence came under threat here in Elbasan, and I am beyond happy that finally the Church is entitled to its registered, immovable property,” PM Rama said.
Rama reiterated the govt.’s commitment to settle the property issues for all religious institutions in the country. “Unfortunately, we inherited nothing but an apocalyptic situation when it comes to the land ownership of religious institutions and from early on we have committed ourselves to issuing property titles, by legalizing the buildings, churches or mosques built and rebuilt from scratch by believers, communities and generous people.
For his part, the Apostolic Nuncio in Albania, Charles John Brown, expressed his profound gratitude to Prime Minister Edi Rama for the immense support on behalf of Pope Francis.
“First and foremost, I would like to express the gratitude of Catholic Church in Elbasan for everything that PM has done to get our ownership case settled. On behalf of Pope Francis, I thank PM for his intervention and support. Today is a wonderful day to be here in Elbasan, while we celebrate the first day of summer. Thank you Prime Minister! the Apostolic Nuncio Charles John Brown said.
Apart from the spiritual guidance that catholic believers seek and receive in the venues of the Saint Piu X Catholic Church, the social events organized here are in the interest of community as they target the most disadvantaged categories of society such as: children, families in need and people with disability.
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