Francis receives an Albanian delegation to the Vatican for 550 years after the death of Giorgio Castriota Skanderberg, underlining the coexistence between people of different faith "favors the development of authentic spiritual paths and becomes a valid example of how to build a lasting peace, based on respect for dignity and the human person ".
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "The peaceful coexistence of citizens belonging to different religions is a concretely practicable way that produces harmony and unleashes forces for good and creativity of an entire people, transforming simple coexistence into true collaboration and brotherhood" said Pope Francis today, receiving (in the picture) a large Albanian delegation, who came to the Vatican for the 550th anniversary of the death of Giorgio Castriota Skanderberg.
The Albanian national hero "courageously defended the spiritual values and the Christian name" from the Ottoman invasion and laid the foundations for the peaceful coexistence that is seen today, thanks to the nation’s " disposition to considering differences as opportunity for dialogue and mutual respect and knowledge".
It also "fosters the development of authentic spiritual paths and becomes a valid example to which we look with interest to build a lasting peace, founded on respect for dignity and the human person".
In his speech, Pope Francis also recalled the visit to Albania in 2014, during which he had observed that "the climate of respect and mutual trust between Catholics, Orthodox and Muslims is a precious asset for the country and acquires special importance in our time ". A thought, finally, for "the holy martyrs who witnessed their faith to the price of life" and St. Teresa of Calcutta.