Welcome to a new chapter in the Archdiocese of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, as His Beatitude Joani is enthroned as Archbishop. The ceremony, attended by a Vatican delegation, was a moment of hope and renewal for the Catholic Church and the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania.
Leading the Vatican delegation was Archbishop Flavio Pace, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, accompanied by Msgr. Andrea Palmieri and Msgr. Ionuţ Paul Strejac. Pope Francis also sent a letter to Archbishop Joani, expressing his prayers and support for his new role.
In his letter, Pope Francis praised Archbishop Joani’s predecessor, His Beatitude Anastas, for his dedication to promoting peace and unity among different religious communities. The Pope urged Archbishop Joani to continue fostering dialogue and seeking communion among Christians, especially in a world marked by conflict and violence.
Emphasizing the importance of unity among Christians, Pope Francis expressed his hope for deepening relations between the Catholic Church and the Church of Albania. He encouraged Archbishop Joani to work towards cooperation in spreading the Gospel, serving the needy, and addressing the issues that divide us through dialogue and charity.
As Archbishop Joani embarks on his ministry, Pope Francis assured him of his prayers and extended a fraternal embrace in Christ. The enthronement ceremony was not just a symbolic event but a call to action for unity and solidarity among Christians in Albania and beyond.
