On December 24, 1939, Church of the Jesuit Friars in Tirana was inaugurated, marking its 85th anniversary this year.

The construction of the church, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Christ, began in 1938. The first Mass in this Catholic church was held on Christmas Eve the following year.

In 1976, after Albania declared itself the world’s first atheist state and launched a campaign against the clergy, the church was converted into the “Rinia” (Youth) cinema and theater. The General Directorate of Archives recalls that during this period, alterations were made to the church’s façade to suit its new function.

After the fall of the dictatorship, the church reopened its doors to believers in 1991 and was restored to its original appearance.

In 1997, a Mass in honor of Mother Teresa was held at the church.

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