Pope Francis expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Orthodox Church in Albania on Monday after the death of Archbishop Anastasios Yannoulatos, who had led the church for nearly 33 years.

The 95-year-old prelate passed away on January 25, and the pope took a moment to reflect on his remarkable legacy.

In his message, the pope spoke with great admiration for Archbishop Anastasios, acknowledging his “profound dedication to the Gospel.”

The pope highlighted the Archbishop’s pivotal role in reviving Christianity in Albania after years of state-enforced atheism and persecution during the communist era.

“His life embodied the faith of the Orthodox community in Albania, and his unwavering service helped the people rediscover the beauty and richness of their faith,” Pope Francis shared in a message on January 27.

A Life of Service and Ecumenical Dialogue

Archbishop Anastasios was known for his commitment to peace and his efforts to foster ecumenical dialogue, not only in Albania but also in Greece and Africa.

His ministry was deeply rooted in the spirit of St. Paul, whose example he followed in bringing people together.

Pope Francis reflected on how Anastasios, like St. Paul, embraced the idea of becoming “all things to all people” to share the message of Christ.

This deep dedication to his mission earned Anastasios respect from religious leaders worldwide.

The pope also recalled his personal encounter with the Archbishop during his apostolic journey to Albania in 2014.

“I remember the fraternal embrace and the words we exchanged that day,” Pope Francis said.

He was particularly struck by Anastasios’s compassion for the suffering and the poor of the country.

A Legacy of Compassion and Faith

As Albania continues to heal and rebuild from its difficult past, Archbishop Anastasios’s legacy remains strong.

His work has left an indelible mark on the Orthodox community in Albania and beyond, particularly in his efforts to promote peace and understanding across religious divides.

Pope Francis’s tribute highlights not just the Archbishop’s religious leadership but also his deep human compassion, which resonated with both the poor and the powerful alike.

Though Archbishop Anastasios may no longer be with us, his influence will surely live on in the hearts of the many people he touched throughout his lifelong commitment to faith, service, and unity.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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