The Holy Father Leo XIV received in Audience today His Excellency Mr. Edi Rama, Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial talks, held at the Secretariat of State, the good existing relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Albania were highlighted, and topics of common interest pertaining to the relations between the ecclesial and civil communities were considered.

As the conversation continued, the parties also focused on the principal regional questions, including the situation of the countries of the West Balkans and Albania’s progress towards full integration in the European Union.

From the Vatican ,5 February 2026