The President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj was welcomed today in a special audience at the Holy See in the Vatican by His Holiness, Pope Francis. This is the second time that President Begaj has received an audience from the Holy Father, after the first visit he made to the Vatican in December 2022.

The head of state warmly thanked Pope Francis for this reception, expressing sincere congratulations to him for his strong commitment to spreading peace through direct messages to end wars, especially in hot areas of conflict; Ukraine and the Middle East.

The President of the Republic confirmed Albania’s position on the side of the Western allies for the solution through dialogue, as the only guarantee for stability and sustainable development in the Balkan region and beyond.

President Begai presented the Holy Father with a painting of the Rubik Assembly Church, an icon of Albanian Christianity and one of the oldest churches in the Balkans.

Afterwards, President Begaj was welcomed in a meeting by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolini.

During this meeting, it was discussed about the integration processes that Albania has undertaken as a natural part of Europe and that now, with the advancement of reforms, it expects to be a member with full rights in the European Union.

President Begaj thanked the Secretary of State for the support that the Holy See gives to Albania’s integration processes. Also for Kosovo, the President of Albania conveyed to the Secretary of State the progress that Kosovo has made in the process of reforms, the rule of law, respect for minorities and integration in international organizations.

The Head of State emphasized the continuation of his commitment to deepening cooperation, referring also to the connection of the Holy See with the Albanian Catholic Church in Albania and Kosovo.

The President of the Republic Bajram Begaj was accompanied on this visit by the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Holy See, Mrs. Majlinda Frangaj.