Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, is on an official visit to Tirana, where he was received by Foreign Minister Olta Xhaçka this Saturday. 

After the meeting held between them, Xhaçka said with the Vatican secretary they had a constructive conversation about the latest developments, where the historical relationship between Albania and the Holy See, which goes beyond the institutional ones, was underlined. 

Xhaçka says that the story of our National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, Saint Mother Teresa, figures that make every Albanian feel proud, regardless of religious affiliation, connects us with the Vatican. 

"With Monsignor Gallagher, we had the opportunity to talk for a long time, a really interesting and constructive conversation. Between Albania and the Holy See, there is a historical and very important relationship, which goes beyond purely institutional relations, as they have a strong spiritual and moral dimension. The history of our National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu connects us with the Vatican, we are connected with Saint Mother Teresa, figures who make every Albanian feel proud, regardless of religious affiliation. 

I expressed to Monsignor Gallagher our gratitude for the announcement of the Beatification of 38 martyrs on behalf of the Albanian Catholic Church, as well as our pride for the appointment of Don Ernest Troshani as Honorary Cardinal in the Vatican. This is a clear sign of appreciation not only for the resistance of the Catholic Church but also of Catholic believers and the entire Albanian people and nation during the dark decades of the regime, as well as a positive signal for the intensification of our relations", declared Xhacka among others.