These quotes are from speeches Pope Francis delivered during his one-day visit to Albania last Sunday.

Land of martyrs

During Mass in Tirana: “Recalling the decades of atrocious suffering and harsh persecutions against Catholics, Orthodox and Muslims, we can say that Albania was a land of martyrs. Demonstrations of great courage and constancy in the profession of the faith are not lacking.

“How many Christians did not succumb when threatened, but persevered without wavering on the path they had undertaken! I stand at that wall of the cemetery of Scutari, a symbolic place of the martyrdom of Catholics before the firing squads, and with emotion I place the flower of my prayer and of my grateful and undying remembrance.”

Peaceful coexistence between religions

Speaking to Albania’s civil authorities: “The respect and mutual trust between Catholics, Orthodox and Muslims is a precious gift to the country. In these times an authentic religious spirit is being perverted and religious differences are being distorted and instrumentalised. This leads to conflict and violence, rather than open and respectful dialogue, and a collective reflection on what it means to believe in God.

“Let no one consider themselves to be the ‘armour’ of God! May no one use religion as a pretext for actions against human dignity and against the fundamental rights of every man and woman, above all, the right to life and the right of everyone to religious freedom.”

An economy at the service of all

Speaking to Albania’s civil authorities: “In a world that tends to economic and cultural globalisation, 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. Such development will only be authentic if it is sustainable and just, if it has the rights of the poor and respect for the environment close to heart.

“There must be a corresponding globalisation of solidarity; together with economic growth there must be greater respect for creation; along the rights of individuals, there must be the guaranteed rights of those who are a bridge between the individual and the state, the family being the foremost of such institutions.”

New dictatorships

During vespers celebrated in Tirana’s cathedral: “I know and appreciate the effort you make to oppose those new forms of ‘dictatorship’ that threaten to enslave individuals and communities.

“If the atheist regime sought to suffocate the faith, these new forms of dictatorship, in a more insidious way, are able to suffocate charity. I am referring to individualism, rivalry and heated conflicts: these are worldly mentalities that can contaminate even the Christian community.

“Evangelisation is more effective when it is carried out with oneness of spirit and with sincere teamwork among the various ecclesial communities as well as among missionaries and local clergy.”

Loving, giving are the secret of a good life

Addressing Albanian workers: “Goodness is its own reward and draws us closer to God, who is the Supreme Good.

“It helps us to think like Him, to see our lives in the light of His plan of love for each one of us, and enables us to delight in life’s daily joys, helping us in difficulties and in trials.

“Goodness offers infinitely more than money, which only deludes, because we have been created to receive the love of God and to offer it, not measuring everything in terms of money or power.

“The secret to a good life is found in loving and giving oneself for love’s sake.”

(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)