The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, today paid tribute before the body of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, during a ceremony attended by heads of state, clergy, and faithful from around the world.

During this ceremony honoring the Holy Father, President Begaj was accompanied by the four main representatives of Albania’s religious communities: Muslim, Orthodox, Catholic, and Bektashi. Their presence symbolized the spirit of religious coexistence and interfaith harmony that characterizes Albania—an important value that Pope Francis notably praised during his visit to the country in 2014.

Alongside President Begaj at the ceremony were President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, Cardinal Ernest Troshani, the Head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, His Beatitude Anastasios (Joan Pelushi), the Head of the Catholic Church in Albania, Archbishop Arjan Dodaj, the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Albania, H. Bujar Spahiu, the World Leader of the Bektashi Order, Haxhi Dede Baba Edmond Brahimaj, and the Head of Albania’s Interreligious Council, Gent Kruja.

President Bajram Begaj has previously been received in two special audiences at the Holy See by His Holiness Pope Francis. The first meeting took place in December 2022, a few months after Begaj assumed office as Albania’s head of state. The second audience was held in May of last year. Following both heartfelt encounters, President Begaj expressed that he felt deeply honored by the receptions, where he had the opportunity to personally thank Pope Francis for his messages of peace in support of conflict resolution and the strengthening of international dialogue.

The participation of this high-level Albanian delegation at the farewell ceremony for Pope Francis underscores Albania’s deep respect for the Holy Father’s figure and for his legacy of peace, coexistence, and interfaith dialogue.