Pope Francescu prays that young Albanian people do not leave Albania as hell

Pope Francescu has been hosting a state delegation today from Albanian Parliament Speaker Gramoz Ruci, along with a representative of Albanian and Arab faiths.

“Albania is an integral part of Europe and through its most noble traditions, documents the origin of its civilisation”The Holy Father is expressed during this encounter.

“However, this country, Pope Francesk said, requires a real and balanced development so that new generations will not be forced to choose the path of immigration, leading to the weakening of the country's capacities that are essential for its human and civilian development.

“Linking antika and friendship and relations between Albania and Vatican today has been renewed”, The Holy Father said, praising Albania as a country of ancient and glorious history.

During this meeting, Pope Franzescu has welcomed the Italian-Albanian communiqué of the Arabs, as well as has praised the climate of respect and mutual neem that exists in Albania between Catholics, Orthodox and Muslim.

“E this religious coexistence is a valuable asset to the country and peace ” he said.

Papa Francescu's word: 

Dear Archbishop brothers and companions,

Brothers and sisters,

With special pleasure, welcome you, who have come here on the 550th anniversary of your national hero's death, Gjergj Kastriot Skenderbe. I greet with gratitude those present and, with minds, all Albanians at home and other parts of the world who, in the name of ancient bonds of friendship and continued relations, always look at St. Peter's headquarters with love. In this context, I like to remember that 50 years ago, St. Paul VI wanted to host a representative of Albanians.

Albania, with ancient and glorious history, is an integral part of Europe, and through its most noble and vital traditions it records the beginning of its own civilization. Today, we remember and celebrate Gjergji Kastriot Skenderbeun, the heroic son of a strong and generous people who courageously defended the spiritual and Christian name, to the extent that he deserved the title “Athleta Christi”. By his works, he forged Albanian cultural identity, becoming an undisputed symbol of national ties and unity, as well as performers at the highest level of values of honest loyalty to freely undertaken commitment.

The particular importance of the image and the work of Kastriot is well represented on your flag, with the two-headed black eagle on the red background made according to the hero's coat. A few times in history, a single individual has come to embody so clearly and so extensively the virtues of a people, to the point that it is hard to understand the soul, without stopping and taking into account the principles and values that inspired it.

After the death of the hero and after Albania's occupation, many Albanians preferred to emigrate and many settled in Italy, in the center of the peninsula and south, especially in Calabria, Sicily, while enlivening the Albanian church circles of the Ring of Arberes and Grotaferrat.

The presence, at today's meeting, of an Arab group, that is, Italian-Albanians, with their traditions and language expressions conveyed for centuries, makes us imagine the atmosphere of Skenderbe's Albania and confirms that the national hero remains the valid bridge for preserving the fruitful links of the Arberes with their land of origin.

For the reasons of the particular importance of the image and the overall work of Gjergoot Kanderbeu, it is best understood why Albania has wanted to announce this year, “nationwide Skenderbeut”.

I sincerely hope that this anniversary will not be limited to celebrating the glory of past works, but also be a convenient opportunity for Albania for the renewed commitment of all citizens and institutions in favor of a truly balanced and balanced development so that new generations will not be forced to choose immigration, weakening the country by forces and the skills necessary for its human and civilian development.

The collective work of all toward this objective will become the best way to embody in the present time, the love of the homeland, which inspired Gjerrioten Skenderbeun in his own time. He, by best interpreting the character and traditions of your people, expressed valid Albanian, the term used by the writer of the 20th century. IX, Pasko Vasa, to show spiritual identity, which united all Albanians beyond religious distinctions. In Albania this conviction promoted peaceful coexistence among people belonging to different religions, eventually becoming cooperation and brotherhood.

As I had the opportunity to state, on the occasion of my visit to Albania, the “climate of mutual respect and trust between Catholics, Orthodox and Muslims is precious wealth for the country” (Meeting with authorities September 21, 2014: Institute II, 2 [2014], 271. It shows that peaceful coexistence among people belonging to different religions is a way that can be specifically traveled, brings harmony, and releases the best forces and creativity of all people, transforming simple coexistence into real cooperation and brotherhood. The willingness to consider changes as the case for dialogue, recognition and mutual recognition also favours the development of true spiritual ways and becomes a valid example to be seen with great interest in building a lasting peace, founded on respect for human dignity.

By praising the martyr saints, who witnessed religion at the price of life, as well as St. Teresa of Calcutta, with pleasure I give the Apostolic Blessing to each of you, here, your family and all the Albanian people. A favor, don't forget to pray for me. Thank you.