The historic meeting took place on the sidelines of the international “Osare la pace” event, organized by the Community of Sant’ Egidio in Rome.

The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania reported today that during this meeting, they discussed on various issues of common interest and the significance of restoring peace and stopping the wars that are plaguing the world. The discussion also focused on the special interest and care for young people, who are not only the future, but also the present of the society.

“This historic meeting testifies to the joint efforts of Christians as a key factor for peace, in which the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania plays a very important role,” it is read on the Church’s online website, which emphasizes that it continues to be committed to friendly and open relations with everyone.

At the end of the meeting, Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop John exchanged gifts. /r.e/a.f/p.s./

There, Berisha was received by Archbishop Joan Pelushi.

“You do a great and precious work in continuation of the immortal work of Bishop Anastasios, who worked with extraordinary dedication and elevated the church from the ruins. The story of Christ has been repeated in Albania because here too they thought of abolishing religion and religious belief, but you rose from the ashes, and today you have an excellent performance and enjoy the broad support of believers, with all institutions”, said Berisha.

He emphasized that, in Albania, they also attempted to abolish pluralism, but they got and will get what they deserve.

“Today, pluralism is strong; it has passed great tests and I have great confidence that hope, optimism and the future will be what Albanians deserve and will have,” Berisha said. /a.f/p.s./

The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of Resurrection of Christ in downtown Tirana, formally launching Joan’s leadership as the archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all of Albania and also head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking representatives of the Albanian and Greek states, as well as delegations from 13 Orthodox Churches of the world. Present at the ceremony were the Head of State Bajram Begaj, Minister of Defense of Greece Nikos Dendias, Minister of Education and Religion, as well as the Ambassador of Greece in Tirana Kostandina Kamici.

Archbishop of Albania Ioan stated in his speech that strengthening unity within the church is an indispensable need to achieve its goal. His Beatitude underlined that the dictatorship destroyed the outer walls of the churches, but not the hearts of faith.

“In critical times, God visited our church. I honor the memory of my forerunners. I mention two outstanding personalities. My Lord, Fan Noli, was the right man. He was endowed by God with extraordinary talents; he contributed to the national reconciliation. In record time he provided the church with the main books.

At the end of the 20th century, when the Orthodox church was found in ruins, God sent another bright person, Archbishop Anastasios, who made it possible to rebuild it. His preaching was love and respect for every human being, a spirit that we must preserve.

Let us say thank you and be grateful! The more gratitude we have, the closer God will be to us.

Every time has had its challenges. In the century we live, there are the new technologies which present new challenges and our church is not exempt from these. We must face them not only to protect ourselves but also to find solutions. Our effort and focus, God’s protection and preservation, strengthening unity within the church are indispensable to achieving its goal,” said His Beatitude Joan./p.s./