Pope prays for Iraq, announces trip to Albania

June 16, 2014

At the conclusion of his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis prayed for the peace of Iraq and announced that he would make an apostolic journey to Albania.

“I invite all of you to unite yourselves with my prayer for the dear Iraqi nation, especially for the victims and for those who most suffer the consequences of the growing violence, in particular the many persons, among whom are so many Christians, who have had to leave their homes,” he said.

The Pope also announced that on September 21 he would travel to Albania, which was ruled by a brutal Communist regime from 1944 to 1992 after being occupied by Italy and Germany.

“With this brief visit, I want to confirm the Church of Albania in the faith, and bear witness to my encouragement and love for a country that has suffered for so long in consequence of the ideologies of the past,” the Pope said.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Le parole del Papa alla recita dell’Angelus (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope Francis: Prayers for peace in Iraq (Vatican Radio)
• Pope to visit Albania (Vatican Radio)