News
Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, leader of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania and one of the eight presidents of the World Council of Churches, met Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on 4 December 2009.
The Roman Catholic pontiff expressed gratitude to the Orthodox leader for his "personal contribution to fostering fraternal relations with the Catholic Church." He concluded, "Be assured that we, for our part, will do all that we can to offer a common witness of brotherhood and peace, and to pursue with you a renewed commitment to the unity of our Churches in obedience to the new commandment of our Lord."
It was the first time an official delegation from the Albanian church has visited the Vatican.