Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano today, as part of his official visit to the Vatican at the invitation of the Holy See.

Accompanied by his wife Linda Rama, his son Zaho, and the official delegation, the Prime Minister toured the basilica. The site hosts the revered image of Our Lady of Good Counsel. The image rests on a fragment taken from the wall of the Church of Shkodra in 1467.

Speaking during the visit, Rama noted that no Albanian head of state or government had entered the basilica since that time. At the same time, he stressed that the Albanian national flag always stands beside Our Lady of Albania. He also recalled that nearly all Popes of Rome have visited and prayed there.

Furthermore, Rama shared that Pope Leo XVI’s first act after his election was to pray in Genazzano. He prayed to Our Lady of Albania, also known as Regina di Albania—the Queen of Albania.

Next, the Prime Minister will visit the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican. The Prefect of the Papal Household and senior Vatican officials will welcome him in the Courtyard of San Damaso.

This reception will precede Rama’s audience with Pope Leo XIV. The meeting will take place in the Papal Library of the Apostolic Palace.

Afterward, the visit will continue at St. Peter’s Basilica. Rama will tour the Stanza delle Lacrime, the Cappella Paolina, the Sala Regia, the Sistine Chapel, and the altar of Saint John Paul II.

Finally, at the conclusion of their stay in the Vatican, Prime Minister Rama and his wife will visit the tomb of Pope Francis at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

In addition, the agenda includes several meetings, notably with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State.

/a.c/