Begaj: Pope Francis left unforgettable traces in Albania

Albania's President Bajram Begaj, in an interview for Italian newspaper “Il Tempo” has shared his impressions after attending Papa Francis' funeral ceremony, naming it a unique experience and an extraordinary sign of respect for the Holy Father's image.

At a ceremony attended by leaders from around the world Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the United States, the Arab World and the Middle East, much reverence was witnessed for this great religious and public figure. Pope Francis once again gave us a testimony to his greatness - a river of people, from the Square of Peter to CHA Santa Maria Maggiorı, came to pay back”, President Begaj said.

In the interview, the president also spoke of Pope Francis' special connection to Albania, remembering that the first state visit outside Italy after being elected as Pope was exactly in Tirana, eleven years ago. A historic visit comparable to that of Pope John Paul II after the fall of communism. A memory that will forever remain in the memory of our people”, he stressed.

President Begaj also recalled the two audiences he had with Pope Francisescu in December 2022 and May last year, noting the attention and love of the Holy Father for Albania and Albanians. “Papa Francescu had a deep recognition of Albanians since he was in Argentina, through the Arab community of Buenos Aires. He was also very attached to the image of Mother Teresa, the Albanian Saint whom he had himself run, said the president.

Speaking of attending the funeral, President Begaj stressed the importance of having religious coexistence in Albania: Our “official delegation consists of me and two ministers, but the country's religious leaders -- Muslims, Orthodox, Bektas and Catholics -- are also present. This is evidence of our religious harmony. As with 20 years ago, at Pope John Paul II's funeral, Albanian leaders of all faiths were together.”/Periscope/