Edit Country: Albania

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'''Albania''' is a Southeastern European nation, covering approximately 28,748 km² with a population of about 2.8 million as of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/albania/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> Its official language is [[Albanian]], and its economy relies on agriculture, tourism, and remittances. The [[Catholic Church]], primarily Latin-rite, with approximately 420,000 adherents (15% of the population), is a significant minority religion, ranking second after Islam (56%) and ahead of Orthodoxy (7%), introduced in the 9th century through early Christian missions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Albania |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Albania |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> Catholicism shapes Albania’s Christian culture, particularly among ethnic Albanians in the north, through charity, education, and devotion to [[Saint Anthony of Padua]] and [[Saint Teresa of Calcutta]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Albania |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/albania |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> The Church, with 1 ecclesiastical province and 5 dioceses, operates in a religiously diverse, secular state with robust religious freedom, supported by the 1998 Constitution. Catholic communities are concentrated in [[Tirana]], [[Shkodër]], and [[Lezhë]], with the [[Cathedral of Saint Paul]] in [[Tirana]] as a key spiritual hub.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Albania |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/AL.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania’s Catholic Church |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-03/albania-catholic-church-community.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2023-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> == Saints == {{SaintsByCountry|Location=Albania}} == Geography == Albania is located in Southeastern Europe, bordered by [[Montenegro]], [[Kosovo]], [[North Macedonia]], [[Greece]], and the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/albania/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> Its 28,748 km² includes the Albanian Alps, Lake Ohrid, and coastal plains, with a Mediterranean climate. Major cities like [[Tirana]] (the capital), [[Shkodër]], and [[Durrës]] host Catholic communities. The geography supports Catholic outreach, with pilgrimage routes to [[Shkodër]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Albania |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/albania |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> == History == Albania’s history includes ancient Illyria, Roman and Byzantine rule, Ottoman rule (1478–1912), and independence since 1912, with communist rule from 1944 to 1991.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania |publisher=Britannica |date=2024-10-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> Catholicism was introduced in the 9th century through missions in Illyrian territories, flourishing in the north under Venetian influence.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Encyclopedia: Albania |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01255a.htm |publisher=New Advent |date=1913-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> The Church faced severe persecution under communist atheism (1967–1991), when Albania was declared the world’s first atheist state, but revived post-1991 with Vatican support.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania’s Catholic History |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/albania-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> === Predecessor states === Albania’s territory was part of Illyria and the Ottoman Empire.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Albania |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania/History |publisher=Britannica |date=2024-10-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> The Ottoman Empire directly preceded modern Albania, with Catholicism preserved by northern Albanian communities despite Ottoman restrictions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania’s Catholic History |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/albania-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> === Successor states === The Republic of Albania, established in 1912, has no direct successor states, as it remains a unified nation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania |publisher=Britannica |date=2024-10-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> The Catholic Church operates within a secular framework, focusing on pastoral care, education, and interfaith harmony.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania’s Catholic Church |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-03/albania-catholic-church-community.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2023-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> == Demographics == Albania’s 2.8 million people include 15% Catholics (420,000), 56% Muslims, 7% Orthodox, and 20% non-religious or other.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Albania |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-albania/ |publisher=Pew Research Center |date=2020-04-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> Ethnic groups are Albanian (95%), Greek (3%), and Roma (1%). Catholicism is concentrated in northern Albania, particularly in [[Shkodër]], [[Lezhë]], and [[Tirana]], among ethnic Albanians.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Albania |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/albania |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> == Catholic church == The [[Catholic Church in Albania]] comprises 1 ecclesiastical province and 5 dioceses, led by the [[Albanian Catholic Bishops’ Conference]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Albania |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/AL.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> Leaders like [[Archbishop Angelo Massafra]] oversee education and charity. The Church runs schools, hospitals, and social programs, bolstered by post-communist revival.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Education in Albania |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25190/catholic-schools-albania |publisher=Catholic News Agency |date=2023-10-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> === Structure === The Church’s single province covers Albania’s regions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Albania |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/AL.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> * [[Archdiocese of Tirana-Durrës]] (Tirana, Central): Suffragan dioceses include [[Diocese of Rrëshen]], [[Diocese of Lezhë]]. * [[Archdiocese of Shkodër-Pult]] (Shkodër, North): Suffragan dioceses include [[Diocese of Sapë]]. == Introduction of Catholicism == Catholicism was introduced in the 9th century through missions in Illyrian territories, with early dioceses established under Byzantine and Latin influence.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Encyclopedia: Albania |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01255a.htm |publisher=New Advent |date=1913-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> It grew in northern Albania under Venetian and later Austrian patronage during Ottoman rule.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania’s Catholic History |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/albania-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> == Key historical events == The 1190 establishment of the [[Diocese of Shkodër]] formalized Catholic presence.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archdiocese of Shkodër-Pult |url=http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dshko.html |publisher=Catholic-Hierarchy.org |date=2024-09-10 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> The 1967 communist ban on religion suppressed the Church, martyring clergy and closing churches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania’s Catholic History |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/albania-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> The 1993 Vatican-Albania agreement and 2014 papal visit by Pope Francis marked a revival.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania’s Catholic Church |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-03/albania-catholic-church-community.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2023-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> == Catholicism status == Catholicism, with 15% adherence, is a significant minority religion in a secular state under the 1998 Constitution, which ensures religious freedom.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Albania |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-albania/ |publisher=Pew Research Center |date=2020-04-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> The Church enjoys state recognition and interfaith cooperation but faces challenges from secularization and emigration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania’s Catholic Church |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-03/albania-catholic-church-community.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2023-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> == Cultural influence == === Festivals and traditions === Catholics celebrate [[Saint Anthony of Padua]] (June 13) and [[Saint Teresa of Calcutta]] (September 5) with Masses in [[Shkodër]] and [[Tirana]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Albania |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/albania |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> Albanian traditions include Easter processions and family-centered feasts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania’s Catholic Church |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-03/albania-catholic-church-community.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2023-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> === Education and charity === The Church operates over 30 schools and several orphanages, primarily in [[Shkodër]] and [[Tirana]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Education in Albania |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25190/catholic-schools-albania |publisher=Catholic News Agency |date=2023-10-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> [[Caritas Albania]] supports the poor, refugees, and Roma, aligning with [[Catholic Social Teaching]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Albania |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/albania/ |publisher=Caritas Internationalis |date=2024-02-10 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> === Art and architecture === Catholic heritage is evident in the [[Cathedral of Saint Paul]] in [[Tirana]], a 2002 modern structure, and [[Shkodër Cathedral]], a 19th-century neo-Gothic landmark.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cathedral of Saint Paul |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cathedral-of-Saint-Paul-Tirana |publisher=Britannica |date=2024-10-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> Churches feature Marian iconography.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania’s Catholic History |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/albania-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> == Notable Catholic sites == === Pilgrimage sites === [[Shkodër Cathedral]] is a major pilgrimage site, linked to communist-era martyrs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shkodër Cathedral |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/europe/1267.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> [[Cathedral of Saint Paul]] in [[Tirana]] attracts devotees.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania’s Catholic Church |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-03/albania-catholic-church-community.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2023-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> === Historical churches === [[Shkodër Cathedral]], built in 1856, is a neo-Gothic landmark.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shkodër Cathedral |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shkodër-Cathedral |publisher=Britannica |date=2024-10-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> [[Lezhë Cathedral]], a 15th-century structure, is tied to national hero Skanderbeg.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lezhë Cathedral |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/lezhe-cathedral |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> == Saints and blesseds == === Patron saints === [[Saint Anthony of Padua]] (June 13) and [[Saint Teresa of Calcutta]] (September 5) are Albania’s patrons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Albania |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/albania |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> === Associated saints and blesseds === Notable figures include [[Saint Teresa of Calcutta]] (canonized 2016, Albanian-born global missionary) and [[Blessed Maria Tuci]] (beatified 2016, martyred under communism).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albanian Saints |url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_2016_en.html |publisher=Vatican |date=2016-09-04 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania’s Catholic History |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/albania-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> == Challenges to Catholicism == The Church faces challenges from secularization, emigration of Catholic communities, and the legacy of communist persecution.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania’s Catholic Church |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-03/albania-catholic-church-community.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2023-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> It counters these through education, interfaith dialogue, and youth programs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Youth in Albania |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25195/catholic-youth-albania |publisher=Catholic News Agency |date=2023-11-05 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> == Social and political influence == The Church influences education, charity, and interfaith harmony, guided by [[Catholic Social Teaching]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Albania |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/albania/ |publisher=Caritas Internationalis |date=2024-02-10 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> It has moderate political influence, advocating for religious coexistence in a Muslim-majority state.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Albania |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/albania |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}</ref> == References == <references /> == External links == * {{Cite web |title=Albania |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/albania/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-22}} * {{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Albania |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/AL.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-22}} * {{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Albania |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/albania |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-22}}

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