Day 14
Albania
Albanian Catholic bishops called on the government to do more for the nation’s poor. A joint statement released on the World Day of the Poor last month said economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic had increased the suffering of the poor to such an extent that it should not be ignored by authorities. This Christmas we remember and celebrate the time when God the Father sent a sign in the virgin Mary giving birth to Jesus, the Son of God, and call Him Immanuel, God with us. Praise the Lord that Jesus was born to seek and save the lost in Albania (The Bible, Isaiah 7:14).
Source: World Day of the Poor: Albanian Bishops call on Politicians to Fight Poverty (Exit News)
Albania was once the poorest nation in Europe, but poverty has been cut by more than half and the economy continues to show positive signs of growth. Despite having a well-known mob, Albania made notable steps in combating drugs, weapons, and human trafficking. Reconstruction after the devastating earthquake in November 2019 had only just started when the COVID-19 pandemic began, and progress has remained slow throughout the year. The process of Albania’s accession to the European Union is ongoing.
