Pope praises peaceful coexistance between faiths in Albania; urges just, sustainable development

Presidential Palace, Tirana

In a meeting with the President, Government, Civil Authorities and the Diplomatic Corps of Albania, at the Presidential Palace in Tirana, Pope Francis praised the climate of respect and mutual trust that exists in the nation btween Catholics, Orthodox and Muslims and said that peaceful coexistence and collaboration among followers of different religions is a precious gift to the country.

Speaking of the respect for human rights, religious freedom and freedom of expression that, he said, allow for creativity and the unleashing of the potential of the human potential and personality that further the common good, the Pope said the Albanian experience shows that a "peaceful and fruitful coexistence between persons and communities of believers of different religions is not only desirable, but possible and realistic". Pope Francis also referred to new challenges which must be faced "in a world that tends to economic and cultural globalization". And he said that "every effort must be made to ensure that growth and development are put at the service of all and not just limited parts of the population"

"Development" he said "will only be authentic if it is sustainable and just, that is, if it has the rights of the poor and respect for the environment close to heart. Alongside the globalization of the markets there must also be a corresponding globalization of solidarity; together with economic growth there must be a greater respect for creation; alongside the rights of individuals, there must be the guaranteed rights of those who are a bridge between the individual and the state, the family".

Source: VIS