TIRANA, December 16 – Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani said she discussed deeper cooperation with the Holy See during a meeting with Pope Leo XVI at the Vatican. She said she hoped the Holy See would soon take a long-awaited decision on the formal recognition of the Republic of Kosova.

The meeting took place one day earlier at the Vatican. During the visit, Osmani also met other senior officials of the Holy See.

Meanwhile, Osmani said Kosova remained committed to strengthening relations with the Holy See. She added that both sides aimed to advance their historical friendship, guided by shared values. In the spirit of Christmas, she said they exchanged wishes for peace and harmony worldwide.

In addition, Osmani invited the Pope to visit Kosova.

Despite the lack of formal recognition, Kosova and the Vatican maintained relations. In January 2024, Kosova opened a Special Mission to the Vatican.

Later, in May this year, relations deepened further. The Holy See appointed Luigi Bianco as apostolic nuncio to Slovenia and apostolic delegate for Kosova.

An apostolic nuncio serves as the highest diplomatic representative of the Vatican. The role functions similarly to an ambassador and represents the Pope to the local Catholic Church.

The Holy See took the decision 12 days after Pope Leo XVI assumed leadership of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Diocese of Kosova welcomed the move and described it as a positive signal for the country.

However, due to non-recognition, the Vatican did not appoint a nuncio to Kosova. It instead assigned an apostolic delegate, a role first established for Kosova in 2011.

Earlier, the Vatican clarified that an apostolic delegate did not hold a diplomatic role. It said the mission aimed to meet the pastoral needs of Catholic believers.

/a.p./