This encounter was a profound moment that reaffirmed the excellent and historic relationship between Albania and the Vatican.

Our relations are based on respect and shared values, as well as the appreciation for the contribution of the Holy See and the Holy Father to dialogue and cooperation for the protection of peace, well-being and security.

Speaker of the Assembly presented the Holy Father with a symbolic gift from Albania, a gesture embodying the deep friendship and respect of the Albanian people.

It recalled the historical ties between Albania and the Holy See, the figure of Pope Clement XI, John Francis Albani, of Albanian origin, and his contribution in support of the Albanian national efforts for freedom and independence.

Albania sets an example of harmony, tolerance and religious coexistence, values ​​that are part of our national identity and a valuable contribution to civilization.

Accompanying the Speaker of the Assembly to this meeting, there was a delegation composed by Deputy Speaker Agron Gjekmarkaj, MPs Iris Luarasi and Ermal Pacaj, as well as Ambassador of Albania to the Holy See Majlinda Frangaj. /gj.m/r.e/a.f/p.s./

Mirosław Adamczyk (born 16 July 1962) is a Polish prelate of the Catholic Church who has worked in the diplomatic service of the Holy See since 1993, with the title of apostolic nuncio since 2013.

Upon receiving the news of his appointment to Albania, the dioceses in the country congratulated the nuncio and gave messages of welcome.

A nuncio is the Holy See’s permanent diplomatic representative to a state or to certain international intergovernmental organizations, notably the European Union and ASEAN. Nuncios hold the rank of ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary and, in ecclesiastical terms, are usually titular archbishops. /j.p/p.s./

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./

President Begaj joined the ceremony alongside world leaders at the head of the state delegation composed of Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni and Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Vatican Majlinda Frangaj.

In respect of the day of mourning declared by the Albanian government for the Holy Father, the flag was flown at half-mast this Saturday at the Institution of the President of the Republic in Tirana.

Pope Francis visited Albania in September 2014, while two years later, on September 4, 2016, he declared Mother Teresa a Saint. Pope Francis also signed the decree for the beatification of the first 38 Albanian martyrs of communism on November 5 of the same year, adding two more on November 16, 2024.

Meanwhile, President Bajram Begaj was received in two separate audiences at the Holy See, Vatican City, by His Holiness Pope Francis. The first time, President Begaj met with the Holy Father in December 2022, a few months after assuming the office of Head of State in Albania. President Begaj held his second meeting with Pope Francis in May last year. /p.s./

Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, will be buried today in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, in a ceremony attended by world leaders and members of the royal families.

“Honoring on this day of national mourning not only an extraordinary Pope, but also an extraordinary friend of Albania, Francis, the Holy Father,” Rama wrote in social media, while sharing images of the pope in Vatican Square.

The Albanian government has declared a national day of mourning today, as an expression of pain, respect and gratitude for the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

The national flag will fly at half-mast in all state and public institutions, while all public and private radio and television stations play funeral music. /m.m/j.p/p.s./

His funeral is held today at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

The government declared Saturday, April 26, a day of national mourning, as an expression of sorrow, respect and gratitude for the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.

According to the government’s decision, the national flag will fly at half-mast in all state and public institutions.

All public and private radio and television stations are invited to play funeral music during the day of national mourning.

Pope Francis appeared for the last time in public on April 20 in St. Peter’s Basilica for the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, at the end of the Easter mass.

In his 12-year pontificate, the first Jesuit and South American pope in history has worked tirelessly to protect migrants, the environment and social justice without questioning the Church’s positions on abortion or priestly celibacy. Pope Francis is buried on Saturday, April 26, in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. /p.s./

“Hopefully, we also await your recovery! The spiritual leadership of the Catholic Church and your moral reference for the entire world is always important, but especially today when times are proving that no social and political achievement in defense of the common good and human dignity should ever be taken for granted,” reads the message Speaker Spiropali sent to the Pope. /p.s./

Pope Francis congratulated and blessed the creation of the Bektashi state and together with Baba Mondi signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, also known as the Abu Dhabi declaration dating 4 February 2019.

It was September 2024 when Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the Bektashi State was a concrete idea and a very positive idea for Albania, Albanian patriotism, Albanian culture and tradition and our position on the larger map of the continent and the world.

Rama praised Bektashism as a treasure of our cultural heritage that is in danger of disappearing because it is a community that has its world headquarters in Albania.

PM Rama said that, “The goal of the new state was to promote a tolerant version of Islam about which Albania is proud of.” /j.p/p.s./

“The beatification of the two martyrs, Don Gjon Gazulli and Father Luigj Paliq, raised to 40 the number of Albanian martyrs announced by the Vatican”, said Spiropali.

In 2016, Pope Francis beatified 38 Albanian clerics who were martyred under the country’s communist regime between 1945 and 1974.

Speaker of the Assembly expressed her grateful thanks to the Holy See and Pope Francis for acknowledging the sacrifices and efforts of the Albanian Catholic clergy for Religion, Freedom, Fatherland, confirming martyrdom for their faith and granting them the title “Blessed.”/a.f/p.s./

Kumbaro wrote in the social media that, “On this September day ten years ago Pope Francis visited Albania and I had the privilege, together with the team of the Ministry of Culture, to humbly etch in the memory of all Albanians the altar of strong messages of peace. faith and hope”.

Kumbaro said that, “On this 10th anniversary of his visit to Tirana, His Holiness received as a present the most beautiful symbols of Albanian tradition and gratitude, a bottle of wine “AMË Kallmet” and a cap on his table, from Mrizi i Zanave Agroturism. The presents were handed over to the Holy Father by Monsignor Arjan Dodaj.

Kumbaro concluded her post by emphasizing that, “These are the most beautiful symbols of Albanian tradition and gratitude”. /p.s./