Today, the Holy Father Francis received in audience His Excellency Mr. Bajram Begaj, President of the Republic of Albania, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by the Most Reverend Monsignor Mirosław Wachowski, Under-Secretary of the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial discussions in the Secretariat of State, appreciation was expressed at the good existing bilateral relations and the intention to develop further collaboration in sectors of mutual interest. Furthermore, the positive contribution of the Catholic community to Albanese society was highlighted.

Attention then turned to the path of integration of Albania in the European Union and various regional and international issues, including the war in Ukraine and its impact in the Western Balkans.

From the Vatican, 2 December 2022