The President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bajram Begaj, was received in a special audience by His Holiness Pope Francis at the Holy See in Vatican City
The President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bajram Begaj, was received in a special audience by His Holiness Pope Francis at the Holy See in Vatican City.
This marks the second occasion President Begaj has been granted an audience with the Holy Father, following his initial visit to the Vatican in December 2022.
During the meeting, the President sincerely thanked Pope Francis for the warm reception, as well as for his messages of peace and calls to end armed conflicts, especially in conflict zones like Ukraine and the Middle East.
President Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s position alongside its Western allies, advocating for dialogue as the sole guarantee for stability and sustainable development in the Balkans and beyond.
President Begaj presented the Holy Father with a painting of the Church of the Council of Rubik, an icon of Albanian Christianity and one of the oldest churches in the Balkans.
President Begaj also met with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin.
The discussions covered Albania’s integration processes as a natural part of Europe, with the country now anticipating full membership in the European Union following the advancement of reforms.
President Begaj thanked the Secretary of State for the Holy See’s support of Albania’s integration efforts.
Additionally, President Begaj updated the Secretary of State on the progress Kosova has made in its reform processes, adherence to the rule of law, minority rights, and integration into international organizations.
The President emphasized his ongoing commitment to deepening cooperation, referencing the Holy See’s connection with the Albanian Catholic Church in both Albania and Kosova.
President Begaj was accompanied on this visit by the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Holy See, Ms. Majlinda Frangaj.