In a statement to the media, the conference said an incident during Tuesday’s protest has affected the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Tirana, the Apostolic Nunciature.

Several protesters removed the Vatican flag and apparently burned it along with other objects, the statement said.

“This act is entirely unacceptable. The symbol of the Holy See was violated, and the territory of the Apostolic Nunciature could also have been compromised, creating insecurity among embassy staff. This is contrary to the law and to the tradition of hospitality that Albanians show their guests,” the conference said.

“The right to protest does not include the right to commit violence against anyone, especially the guests of our country. As a Bishops’ Conference, we express our solidarity with the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Mirosław Adamczyk, and his staff, while condemning this irresponsible and unacceptable act by the protesters,” the statement added.

The conference called on state institutions to exercise greater vigilance, take preventive measures and protect diplomatic missions in accordance with the law and international agreements, particularly the representation of the Holy See.

It also condemned violence regardless of its source, whether committed by protesters or state institutions, when it endangers protesters’ lives and health.

“We pray to God for our country and hope these incidents will not happen again, while calling for calm, peace and dialogue,” the statement said.

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