According to the President’s press office, the meeting focused on Albania’s strong relations with the Holy See, the country’s European Union accession process and Albania’s contribution to peace and stability in the region.

Particular attention was also attached to religious faith and the persecution of Christian clergy and believers during Albania’s communist era, the statement said.

“Albania suffered terribly from the religion ban under the communist regime,” President Begaj said, according to his office.

The head of state underlined that Albanians have preserved their faith in God through centuries of hardship and oppression, often enduring persecution and martyrdom.

Begaj invited Pope Leo XIV to pay an official visit to Albania, stressing the importance such a visit would hold for the country.

During the visit, Begaj also met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, for talks covering international developments, with particular focus on the Western Balkans and Albania’s European integration process.

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