Pope Francis in Albania

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has arrived in Albania. The one-day apostolic visit is his first to a European Nation since the beginning of his Papacy in March 2013.

The Papal plane touched down at the International “Mother Teresa” Airport in Tirana shortly before schedule at 9am.

The Apostolic Nuncio and other religious authorities boarded the plane to welcome him, while the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, was awaiting him in the airport.

Pope Francis’ day in Tirana continues with a welcoming ceremony in the Presidential Palace and a meeting with the Head of State, Bujar Nishani. This will be followed by a meeting with Albanian civil and religious authorities, including the diplomatic corps and some of religious leaders.

The highlight of the morning is the Mass in Tirana's Mother Teresa Square and the recitation of the Angelus.

Following lunch with the bishops at the Apostolic Nunciature, the Pope is scheduled to meet with religious leaders of the six major religious denominations present in the nation. He will then travel to the Cathedral of Tirana to celebrate Vespers, and before boarding the plane to return to the Vatican, he will visit  the "Betania" Home for the disabled.

After the farewell ceremony at Tirana airport, Pope Francis is scheduled to touch down in Rome 9.30pm.

 

 

(from Vatican Radio)

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