Vatican

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  Pope gives flowers received in Albania to Blessed Mother

  Sep 23, 2014

  In thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother for the success of his short but eventful trip to Albania, Pope Francis paid a visit on Monday morning to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

  
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  Pope praises brotherhood forged among Albania's religions

  Sep 23, 2014

  Pope Francis on the return flight from Albania praised the country for its youth and its “higher culture” that is “capable of building brotherhood” among Christians and Muslims.

  
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  Faith brings light to hardship, Pope Francis says at Children's center

  Sep 22, 2014

  Pope Francis visited an Albanian center for abandoned children on Sunday, emphasizing in his remarks that Christian charity can help bring oneself and others closer to God.

  
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  Pope: Albanian martyrs knew God's consolation

  Sep 22, 2014

  God’s consolation for Albania’s martyrs and other persecuted Christians is a reminder for us all of the intimate consolation that God offers amid suffering, Pope Francis said at a Sunday vespers service.

  
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  Papal visit fosters Albanians' hopes

  Sep 22, 2014

  Pope Francis’ visit to Albania is a “gigantic event” for the religiously diverse country as it seeks a greater role in Europe, one leader at the country’s main Catholic university has said.

  
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  5 Things To Know About the Pope's Trip to Albania

  Sep 21, 2014

  After a quick flight over the Adriatic Sea, Francis will spend 11 hours in the predominantly Muslim country. He'll meet the nation’s leaders and bishops, representatives of other religions and Christian denominations, disadvantaged children and others assisted by Catholic charitable organizations.

  
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  Pope's Albania visit prompts long-awaited facelift for Tirana square

  Sep 21, 2014

  Pope Francis has worked a small miracle in Albania even before his arrival here on Sunday -- spurring bitter political foes to join forces to spruce up the rundown square where he will celebrate Mass.

  
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  Pope Francis: No one can use religion as a pretext for violence

  Sep 21, 2014

  Pope Francis opened his trip to Albania praising the “coexistence” between members of different faiths in the country, while condemning those who “consider themselves to be the 'armour' of God while planning and carrying out acts of violence and oppression.”

  
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  After brutal persecution, Albania 'reopened' to missionary zeal

  Sep 21, 2014

  During Mass at Mother Teresa square as part of his one-day trip to Albania, Pope Francis recalled the country's vicious history of anti-religious persecution, saying it is now ready for the Gospel to flourish.

  

• Day of prayer declared for upcoming synod

  Sep 19, 2014

  The Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops has designated September 28 as a special day of prayer for the upcoming 3rd Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which is devoted to the pastoral challenges to the family in the context of evangelization.