
The head of the Albanian Muslim Community, Bujar Spahiu, has reacted to the passing of Pope Francis. In a post on social media, Spahiu says the Pope loved Albania and had a high regard for our country.
The head of the Catholic Church said that today "the world has not only lost a Pope, but also a head of state and religious leader who worked hard for peace between faiths and for a more peaceful and undisturbed world."
Bujar Spahiu also recalled the meeting with the Pope: "In the one-on-one meeting with Pope Francis, a meeting that lasted for more than 30 minutes, we had an extensive discussion from which, among other things, I understood the importance he attached to dialogue and the high appreciation he had for Albania and the role of the Muslim Community."
Today, a Pope who loved interfaith dialogue, loved our country, and especially praised the Muslim Community of Albania for the role it plays in Albanian society, passed away.
I had the special honor of being the first president in the history of the Albanian Catholic Church to have a special audience, at his invitation, with Pope Francis. A meeting that took place on May 6, 2022.
In the one-on-one meeting with Pope Francis, a meeting that lasted for more than 30 minutes, we had an extensive discussion from which, among other things, I understood the importance he attached to dialogue and the high appreciation he had for Albania and the role of the Muslim Community.
Today, the world has lost not only a Pope, but also a head of state and religious leader who worked hard for peace between faiths and for a more peaceful and undisturbed world.
I and the Muslim Community have also lost a friend.
I express my condolences to his collaborators in the Catholic community in Albania and the Vatican State!