Prishtina, 9 April 2026
Last night, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, attended a concert at the Mother Teresa Cathedral in Prishtina, held in honor of the Albanian Cardinal Ernest Simoni, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
Full Speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Honorable Cardinal Ernest Simoni,
Honorable Monsignor Dodë Gjergji, Bishop of the Diocese of Kosovo,
Honorable Archbishop of Bar, Don Zef Gashi,
Honorable Ms. Saranda Bogujevci, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Kosovo,
Honorable Excellencies, Ambassadors and representatives of friendly states in the Republic of Kosovo,
Honorable Mayor of Prishtina, Përparim Rama,
Honorable Members of Parliament, leaders and representatives of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo,
Honorable believers, citizens of our country,
Honorable attendees,
Ladies and gentlemen, sisters and brothers,
It is a special honor to be among you this evening to mark three events of particular importance: the 70th anniversary of the ordination of His Eminence Cardinal Ernest Simoni; the 10th anniversary of the canonization of Mother Teresa; and the solemn reception on the occasion of Catholic Easter.
Tonight, in the cathedral that bears the name of Saint Mother Teresa, through profound and uplifting music, we witness how art and beauty preserve collective memory and build bridges of cooperation among peoples and cultures.
Following the performance of the Kosovo Philharmonic and Opera in September 2025 in the Vatican, where they performed the work of Cardinal Bartolucci, tonight the Choir of the “Bartolucci” Foundation offered us special spiritual and aesthetic moments. This is a concrete expression of the continuation of friendly cooperation between our institutions and international partners, and a testament that art is a universal language that brings us closer to one another, while itself becoming culture.
On this evening, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Cardinal Ernest Simoni, as a defining historical figure of spiritual resistance and unwavering faith. His life and activity constitute an extraordinary contribution to the protection of religious freedom and human dignity. Through his dedication, he has played an important role in preserving Albanian religious and national identity, becoming a symbol of resistance against oppression and an inspiration for generations to come.
The final, but no less important reason we have gathered tonight is the solemn reception on the occasion of Easter. This holy day reminds us of the importance of harmony among us and inspires us toward greater care, solidarity, and respect for one another. Hope, sacrifice, love, forgiveness, and rebirth—as a necessity to change for the better—are key messages of this celebration.
As we reflect on a past that has not been easy, on this meaningful day we also emphasize the importance of cooperation among us as an essential value for our shared future. In the Republic of Kosovo, cultural and religious diversity constitute one of the main assets and pillars of our state, which is both inclusive and democratic. Interfaith coexistence and respect are principles that we preserve and cultivate with pride.
We deeply appreciate and value the history, identity, and rich diversity of our country, which plays a special role in promoting fundamental human rights and freedoms. In this context, the role of the Catholic community in the development of education, culture, and the strengthening of social solidarity constitutes a valuable example that deserves recognition from all.
On this occasion, I wish to express my appreciation, and that of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, for your continuous and valuable contribution to our nation and state, as well as the highest respect for Cardinal Ernest Simoni—for his life, work, and rare testimony in the service of faith and humanity.
Thank you!
