Today, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in Audience the President of the Republic of Albania, His Excellency Mr Bajram Begaj, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial discussions at the Secretariat of State, appreciation was expressed for the good bilateral relations, as was the intention to further develop cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The conversation then turned to various international issues, with a particular focus on the Western Balkans region and its path toward membership in the European Union.

From the Vatican, 25 May 2026