Vatican sets Nov. 5 Albania’s beatification of 38 martyrs
TIRANA, Albania – The Catholic Church in Albania says the Vatican has set Nov. 5 as the day of beatification of 38 Albanian religious martyrs killed by the former communist regime.
In April, Pope Francis officially recognized as martyrs Archbishop Vincens Prenushi and 37 other priests who died in prison or were murdered in 1945-1974 by the late communist dictator Enver Hoxha’s regime, the church said a statement Wednesday.
Hoxha’s regime banned religion In 1967 and persecuted its leaders and believers.
During Francis’ visit to Tirana in 2014, big posters of the 38 clergy were placed along the Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard in the capital.
Francis held up Albania, with a majority of Muslims and also with Orthodox and Catholic communities, as a model for interfaith harmony.
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