Pope Francis Visits Albania

Today was the much anticipated date for Pope Francis to visit Tirana, Albania. The Vatican selected this country for two reasons.
First, to honor the 100 clerics that were killed because of their religious affiliations during the Communist dictator's reign. Enver Hoxha, the dictator, was the first European leader to ban the practice of any religion in 1967.
The second reason that the Pope came to Albania was the reality that this small country is totally tolerant of any and all religions. While 60% say they are Muslims (not surprising after 500 years under the Ottoman Rule), many don't practice. The Orthodox church (6%), the Catholic church (10%) and various Christian sects....all coexist with absolutely no judgement.

One of the most amazing aspects to the Pope's visit is how Tirana transformed its center city in preparation for the event. When I have been walking on sidewalks with gaping holes and uneven bricks, watching cafes go up without any permits and lamenting the lack of green spaces in the city for almost 3 years....in 3 weeks look what was created.

My photos are basically behind the scenes as Peter and I were not in the reserved seats for the event. 
We witnessed the Mass with the masses.

These 100 banners, hung across the major boulevard, each honoring a religious figure executed during the Communist period. The nun above was the only female executed. Her torture prior to being killed was to put a tomcat in her pants and the guards would swat her pants so as to anger the cat and cause biting and scratching. Not pretty!

3 story cafes were leveled, trees and grass planted and old cement walls re-plastered 

During the dictator's time, labor was free and plentiful. All the wide sidewalks were laid by hand in concentric circles. This process was again applied.

This is the newly constructed "stage" where Pope Francis would conduct Mass

With daily massive watering, this grass turned somewhat green in 3 days. Peter's office is the building ahead of you

Debate over the final details on the stage for the Mass

The enormous sound system in 12 locations would blare out Michael Jackson's "I Am The One" prior to Sunday

Buildings got into the spirit

Before the Pope was to arrive, this sunset set an optimistic omen

Crowds numbering 500,000 gathered to watch the Mass on large screen TVs

These photos are off the big screen so they leave a bit to be desired.. Sorry

Descending the plane, a regular Alitalia jet

Helicopter security announces Pope Francis arriving in the center city. He rode in a modest compact car. There were 2500 police on the ground.

Faces of those in the crowd

This is a view of the stage from our veranda

Look very closely and you will see the Pope with the tall hat

Mother nature didn't cooperate with a downpour as Mass began

The choir singing all day, the excitement in the crowds gathered and a tiny country shinning with pride, summed up the experience for me.