Yesterday, on November 19, 2018, a delegation of about 200 people, accompanied by the World Grandfather, His Grace Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj, were received at a hearing by Pope Francis, on the occasion of the national year of Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg and within the 550th anniversary of the death of our national hero. Speaking about the relations between Albania and the Vatican, the head of the Catholic Church said that it is characterized by an old bond of friendship and tradition of relations and that Albania is the place of ancient and glorious history.
The Pope underlined that Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg "bravely defended the spiritual values and the Christian name, so much so that he deserved the title 'Athleta Christi'," The Athlete of Christianity ".
"With his works, he forged the Albanian cultural identity, becoming an indisputable symbol of connection and national unity, as well as an interpreter at the highest level of the values of honest loyalty to the commitments undertaken freely."
Recalling the past, Pope Francis also focused on the future. The Holy Father encouraged Albanians to commit more to the development of the country, as an obligation for the younger generations. The Pope underlined the "Albanianness" of Pashko Vasa, who used the term to indicate the spiritual identity that united all Albanians, beyond religious differences.
"Peaceful coexistence between people belonging to different religions is a path that can be traversed concretely, brings harmony and liberates the best forces and creativity of the whole people, transforming simple coexistence into true cooperation and brotherhood." .
