Albania

The Latest

Former President Bill Clinton was received by Pope Francis at Casa Santa Marta July 5.

Pope Francis hosts Bill Clinton, foundation head Alex Soros

Jul 5, 2023

By Kevin J. Jones

Soros, son of the billionaire financier and philanthropist George Soros, accompanied Clinton in both Albania and at the Vatican. Read more

Pope Francis listens as Sister Marije Kaleta speaks in Tirana’s St. Paul Cathedral, Albania, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014.

Catholic nun who secretly baptized babies under communism dies at 92

Jan 12, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Sister Marije Kaleta risked her life to take Communion to the sick and dying. Read more

Archbishop George Frendo, O.P., Archbishop of Tiranë-Durrës in Albania. Courtesy photo.

Archbishop: ‘The Catholic Church in Albania enjoys great credibility and respect’

Feb 9, 2021

By Luke Coppen

Pope Francis only spent 11 hours in Albania when he visited the country in 2014. But for some, his trip was... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience Jan. 31, 2018.

Pope Francis prays for victims of deadly earthquake in Albania

Nov 27, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis expressed his condolences Wednesday for those who have been affected by or who have died in a devastating... Read more

Pope Francis embraces Rev. Ernest Troshani in Tirana's St. Paul Cathedral, Albania.

Albanian priest who moved the Pope to be named Cardinal

Oct 9, 2016

The Albanian priest whose testimony moved Pope Francis to tears in 2014 is one of the 17 international bishops and... Read more

The flags of Albania and Vatican City in Tirana, in preparation for Pope Francis' September, 2015 visit.

Pope opens the door for beatification of Albanian martyrs

Apr 27, 2016

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis on Tuesday gave the green light for the beatification of 38 Albanian martyrs, all of whom were killed... Read more

Pope Francis listens as 85-year-old Sister Maria Kaleta speaks in Tirana's St. Paul Cathedral, Albania, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014.

Albanian nun tells Pope about faith amid Communist regime

Sep 25, 2014

Among the powerful moments on Pope Francis’ Sept. 21 trip to Albania was the Holy Father’s encounter with an 85... Read more

Pope Francis ebmbraces Rev. Ernest Troshani in Tirana's St. Paul Cathedral, Albania.

Testimony from Albania priest moves Pope to tears

Sep 25, 2014

With tears in his eyes, Pope Francis gave a warm embrace to Father Ernest Troshani Simoni, 84, one of the... Read more

Pope Francis speaks with journalists on the papal plane August 18, 2014.

Pope praises brotherhood forged among Albania's religions

Sep 22, 2014

Pope Francis on the return flight from Albania praised the country for its youth and its “higher culture” that is... Read more

Valentin and Vanessa, a Kosovar couple who attended Pope Francis' papal Mass in Albania.

Catholic-Muslim spouses say Pope Francis is for everybody

Sep 22, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

A Catholic-Muslim married couple who traveled three hours from Kosovo to take part in Pope Francis’ Albanian visit say that... Read more

Papal and Albanian banners line Albania's streets.

Papal visit fosters Albanians' hopes

Sep 21, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Pope Francis’ visit to Albania is a “gigantic event” for the religiously diverse country as it seeks a greater role... Read more

Pope Francis at vespers service at Tirana's Cathedral of St. Paul

Albanian martyrs knew God's consolation, Pope says off-the-cuff

Sep 21, 2014

God’s consolation for Albania’s martyrs and other persecuted Christians is a reminder for us all of the intimate consolation that... Read more

Pope Francis greets staff, youths and adolescents at Bethany Center in Albania Sept. 21.

Faith brings light to hardship, Pope Francis says at children's center

Sep 21, 2014

Pope Francis visited an Albanian center for abandoned children on Sunday, emphasizing in his remarks that Christian charity can help... Read more

Christmas letter from an American girl to Enver Hoxha at the

Girl's Christmas letter to atheist dictator shows plea for peace

Sep 20, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

A little girl’s Christmas letter asking Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha to pray for peace, not knowing of his repressive and... Read more

Papal and Albanian banners line Albania's streets.

Albania prepares for papal Mass

Sep 20, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

A Franciscan involved in the preparations for Pope Francis’ trip to Albania said that he hopes for a surprise from... Read more

Albania prepares for Pope Francis' Sept. 21 visit.

Martyrs' memory to be a focus of Pope's visit to Albania

Sep 19, 2014

Focused on the memory of the martyrs, Pope Francis’ one-day journey to Albania is aimed at restoring the link between... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on June 4, 2014.

Priest hopes papal visit will nurture fledgling Albanian Church

Sep 19, 2014

By Mary Farrow

Pope Francis' upcoming visit to Albania could encourage the leaders of the Catholic Church in a nation with a long... Read more

Pope Francis arrives at the airport in Rio de Janeiro.

Pope's Albania visit will draw from past, look to future

Sep 16, 2014

Pope Francis’ upcoming Albanian visit will highlight Mother Teresa, honor the martyrs of Albania’s atheistic past, and suggest the country’s... Read more

Fr. Federico Lombardi answers questions on the Pope's visit to the Holy Land in May.

No plans to raise security ahead of Pope's Albania visit

Sep 15, 2014

By Ann Schneible

There are no plans to increase security for Pope Francis' Sept. 21 trip to Albania despite new reports of a... Read more

Pope Francis meets with seminarians from the Pontifical Roman universities on May 12, 2014.

Vatican releases schedule for Pope's trip to Albania

Jul 31, 2014

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis will make a one-day trip to Albania in September, during which he is slated to meet with local... Read more