The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Albania (KISH) condemned the removal of the Vatican flag during a protest in Tirana on Tuesday, calling the act unacceptable.

In a public statement, the conference said protesters had targeted the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Tirana. Several demonstrators removed the Vatican flag and apparently burned it along with other objects.

The bishops said the incident violated the symbol of the Holy See and risked threatening the security of diplomatic staff. They also stressed that the act violated the law and contradicted Albania’s tradition of hospitality.

“The right to protest does not include the right to use violence against anyone, especially our country’s guests,” the statement said. The conference also expressed solidarity with Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Mirosław Adamczyk and his staff.

Furthermore, the bishops urged state institutions to strengthen preventive measures and protect diplomatic missions in line with national law and international agreements.

The conference also condemned violence from any side, including protesters and state authorities, when it endangers people’s lives and health.

Finally, the bishops called for calm, peace and dialogue, expressing hope that such incidents would not happen again.

/a.c/