I thanked the Pope twice for supporting the international dialogue

President Bajram Begaj, today paid homage to the body of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, during a ceremony attended by leaders of states, clergy and believers from around the world.

During this ceremony for the Holy Father, President Begaj was accompanied by four main representatives of the religious communities in Albania: Muslim, Orthodox, Catholic and Bektashi. Their presence symbolized the spirit of religious coexistence and inter -religious harmony that characterizes Albania a value that the Pope had specifically appreciated during his visit to the country in 2014.

Alongside President Begaj at the ceremony were also the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, Albanian Cardinal Ernest Troshani, head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, His Beatitude Joan Pelushi, the head of the Catholic Church, Monsignor Arjan Dodaj, the Chairman of the Muslim Community, H. Bektashi, Haxhi Dede Baba Edmond Brahimaj, as well as head of the Albanian Interfaith Council, Gent Kruja.

Begaj is received in two separate audiences at the Holy See, the Vatican from his holiness, Pope Francis. The first time President Begaj met with the Holy Father in December 2022, a few months after taking over the head of state in Albania. President Begaj held the second meeting with Pope Francis in May last year.

After two heartfelt meetings with the Holy Father, President Begaj said that he felt honored by reception in a special audience, where he had the opportunity to thank Pope Francis for the messages of peace he has conveyed in support of the extinguishing of conflicts and strengthening the international dialogue. The participation of this high Albanian delegation at the farewell ceremony for Pope Francis underlines the deep respect of Albania for the figure of the Holy Father and for his heritage of peace, coexistence and interfaith dialogue.