Pope Francis Greets Pilgrims from Bar During Vatican Mass

Pope Francis welcomed a group of pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Bar during a mass at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. This historic acknowledgment marks the first time a pope has specifically mentioned the faithful from Bar in this prominent location, generating excitement among the attendees.

The group included Archpriest Rrok Gjonleshaj and General Vicar Simo Ljuljic, who led approximately fifty pilgrims from various parishes, primarily from Bar, Ulcinj, Podgorica, and Tuzi. Their visit was part of a celebration for the Jubilee Year, a tradition where each Catholic diocese aims to visit Rome every 25 years when possible. The last pilgrimage from Bar occurred during the Jubilee Year in 2000.

The pilgrims made their journey to the Vatican by bus, starting from Bar to Durrës, and then ferrying to Italy before arriving in Rome. Simo Ljuljic explained that their pilgrimage began on Wednesday, and they returned shortly after the mass on Sunday.

During their stay in Rome, the pilgrims engaged in a packed program. They visited four major basilicas: St. Peter’s, Santa Maria Maggiore in the Vatican, as well as St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. John Lateran, which are located outside the city walls. The group also visited the Shrine of Santa Maria in Celsano, situated in the rural area of Lazio.

The fact that Pope Francis singled out the Bar pilgrims from a crowd of nearly 100,000 attendees at St. Peter’s Square reflects the adherence to the protocol set forth by the Holy See. Simo Ljuljic noted, “The Pope regularly greets pilgrims visiting the Vatican, but it requires prior notification of their visit.” He added that their presence was officially communicated, and thus they were acknowledged along with other pilgrims from around the world.

This momentous occasion not only highlights the significance of the pilgrimage but also reinforces the connection between local communities and the global Church. The visit to the Vatican serves as a spiritual milestone for the Bar community, fostering a sense of unity and shared faith among its members.