Berisha meets with Pope

VATICAN CITY, Dec. 13 – Last weekend Benedict XVI met with visiting Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha. The meeting lasted for 15-minutes with the Pontiff.
A Vatican communiqu顮oted that in this audience with the Pope, there was, “ơn exchange of views on various topics concerning the current international situation, with particular reference to the Western Balkan region.”
As well, “ƴhey reviewed various aspects of bilateral relations, sharing positive views of their development.”
The communiqu顲eported that, “ƭention was also made of traditional family values, which are the common heritage of the Albanian people.”
Berisha held an extended t뵥-ழ뵥 meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, a meeting which took place in a rather cordial atmosphere, said a premier’s office statement. Later on, His Holy Father met with Lady Berisha and the delegation.
During the meeting, Berisha expressed deep gratitude to the Pope for the great support that the Holy See has given to the consolidation of Albanian democracy, economic and cultural development of the country from the establishment of democracy in Albania and until, present-day.
Berisha extended to the Pope Benedict XVI the official invitation to visit Albania next year on the 100th birth anniversary of the great Albanian woman, Mother Teresa.
Pope Benedict XVI said that the Holy See will fully support Albania EU integration and the all-round development of the country.
Berisha also met with the Pontiff’s secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and the secretary for relations with states, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.
Albania’s strong tradition of religious tolerance is widely recognized. However, it should be remembered that historically this was not always the case, when some leaders endeavored to intensify regional and sectarian differences. Today, Albania is still vulnerable from such influences.
The Pope expressed His support in Albania’s bid to join the European Union.
Catholics in Albania are a minority, about 20 percent of the population, situated mainly in Northern Albania. There has been no religious census in the country since before World War II. They were severely persecuted by the late communist dictator Enver Hoxha, who also banned religion from 1968 until 1990.