Pope Meets With Albanian President

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 24, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI received Alfred Moisiu, the president of Albania, in a private audience.

The Vatican press office gave no details of the issues discussed during today's meeting.

Moisiu, 76, a former general, was elected by Parliament to occupy the highest state office in June 2002.

Vatican Radio reported that Moisiu, "of Orthodox Christian faith, has always been a promoter of dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the country's different religious confessions."

In Albania, a country of about 3.5 million inhabitants, 50% are Muslims, 25% Orthodox and 15% Catholics.

Vatican Radio also recalled that "the Albanian president took part in the ceremony of beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta on October 19, 2003" and "proposed with enthusiasm that that day be proclaimed a national holiday in Albania to celebrate the Albanian blessed, a petition which was accepted by the Tirana Parliament."