“Corruption is exasperating young people above all, who want a better future in their own land”. This is how Bishop Gjergj Meta of Rrëshen, president of the Albanian Bishops’ Conference, interprets the difficult hours Tirana is going through, where thousands of students have been on the streets since 13 October against Edi Rama’s government, amid clashes, fires and dozens of arrests. SIR reached him as he was returning to Albania after a week in the Vatican for Leo XIV’s meeting with the heads of the Eastern Churches and the presidents of the Bishops’ Conferences, ten years after Amoris laetitia. The conversation focused on the affront to the Apostolic Nunciature, the condemnation of all violence, the demographic haemorrhage and the European horizon.
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Your Excellency, the unrest also affected the Apostolic Nunciature. What happened?
There was a deplorable incident. During one of the marches along Rruga e Durrësit, where the diplomatic mission is located, some demonstrators removed the Vatican flag and then apparently set it on fire along with other objects.
It is an utterly unacceptable act: the flag of the Holy See was desecrated, and the premises of the mission could also have been violated, with the risk of spreading insecurity among the staff.
All this runs counter to the law, but also to the hospitality with which Albanians welcome those who come from abroad. The right to demonstrate does not authorise the use of force against anyone, let alone against the friends of our people.
How did the bishops respond?
In a statement we expressed our closeness to the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Mirosław Adamczyk, and his staff, condemning the irresponsible act committed by some protesters. We also asked the institutions for greater vigilance and preventive measures, so that diplomatic missions, starting with that of the Holy See, are protected in accordance with the law and international agreements. Finally, we appealed for calm, peace and dialogue, so that outstanding issues may be resolved democratically.
What lies behind the mobilisation?
It is a protest against the government, fuelled also by recent developments in the justice reform, which has led to numerous arrest warrants against senior government figures: deputy prime ministers and ministers under investigation, some of whom have ended up in prison. We recognise the progress made in recent years in terms of democracy and the country’s development, but much remains to be done.
In Albania, malfeasance is still widespread. Corruption is exasperating young people above all, who want a better future in their own land.
We are moving decisively closer to Europe and several negotiating chapters for accession have been opened, but many issues have yet to be resolved. Among the most serious is corruption, which seems to have reached the highest levels of power.
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The unease of the younger generations is driving many to leave. How heavily does emigration weigh?
We are experiencing severe depopulation, which is clearly felt in our dioceses. In mine, Rrëshen, there were 50,000 to 55,000 Catholics in the 1990s, whereas today there are barely 12,500. Especially recently there has been a large migratory flow involving entire families and youngsters who see no prospects at home. These are the reasons why anger has erupted.
Many people have been injured in the clashes. What is the Church’s position?
Violence does no good, whether it comes from the protesters or from the police when they resort to it disproportionately.
In recent days there have been excesses on both sides. We reject force as a means of protest, but also as a response to demonstrators.
That is why we condemn all abuse, including when it is state institutions that endanger the lives and health of those who have taken to the streets.
How do you view the path towards membership of the European Union?
Favourably. We are convinced that Europe is Albania’s natural destination: we belong to it geographically and spiritually, and now we aspire to be part of it politically as well. That is why the Bishops’ Conference wholeheartedly encourages every step in that direction. We always have in mind the Europe of values, faithful to the inspiration of its founding fathers. It is certainly not a paradise, and we are well aware of its limitations.
Nevertheless, we believe it is where our country belongs, and we strongly support this journey.
You met Leo XIV in recent months. How attentive did you find him to Albania?
The Pope, to whom we extend all our affection, especially at this time of trial for his health, is a good listener and values dialogue. I described to him the situation of the diocese, of the Church and of Albanian society, and invited him to come to our country, in the hope that the visit may take place. He listened with interest and asked me a few questions.
Does the Catholic community in the country feel accompanied by Rome?
Certainly. There is care on the part of the Holy See as a whole, and also personally on the part of the Pope.