“John Paul II says Bishop Angelo Massafra of Scutari, president of the Albanian Episcopal Conference is for Albanians, whether Catholics or not, a man who, with his strength and his personality, has illuminated and given support to contemporary man. For us, who have had the grace to have him with us in this martyred land, he was a light that rekindled the hopes in people’s hearts for a different and better future. The Pope is a great support at the moral and political level for our nation, which is trying to set out on the path of integration with Europe; and seeking to tackle the sacrifices requested for the construction of a better future. For Albanian Catholics, in particular, he is a beacon of hope. With his prayers he has supported us and with his words he has given voice to the voiceless. He is and shall remain for the Albanian people the friend of the needy, the brother who stretches out his hand. This people with its sorrowful past, its history of spiritual violence, will always appreciate the moral support and contribution of this Pope in breaking the chains by which it was fettered”.
