His Beatitude Archbishop John of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on October 28, following the conclusion of the international interfaith forum “Dare Peace”, organized by the Catholic Community of Sant’Egidio. According to the press service of the Albanian Orthodox Church, the meeting took place in a fraternal and cordial atmosphere, reflecting a spirit of mutual respect and dialogue.

During their conversation, the Pope and Archbishop John discussed issues of common concern, emphasizing the urgent need to restore peace and end the armed conflicts that continue to afflict various regions of the world. Special attention was given to the role of the younger generation, which both leaders described as not only the future but also the active present of modern society.

The Albanian Orthodox Church noted that the meeting served as a testimony to its commitment to maintaining friendship and open dialogue with all Christian traditions and faiths, contributing to harmony and human flourishing. Archbishop John underlined that the Christian vocation of reconciliation and service to peace is of particular importance today, in an age when humanity longs for hope and mutual understanding.

The “Dare Peace” international forum concluded in Rome on the same day, bringing together religious representatives from around the world who jointly called for an end to wars and the beginning of a “new era of reconciliation.” Pope Leo XIV addressed the participants with a message urging them to reject the misuse of religion for political purposes and reminding that “peace is sacred, not war.”

Among the participants was Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, representing the Russian Orthodox Church. The forum’s closing ceremony took place at the Colosseum, a symbolic venue for prayers for peace. Participants collectively affirmed that “war is a defeat for humanity” and appealed to build global security through dialogue rather than armament.