Pope Leo XIV Praises Cardinal Simoni's Resilience
Pope Leo XIV sent a heartfelt message to 97-year-old Cardinal Ernest Simoni, who presided over a Mass on Friday, July 31, at the former prison camp of Spaç, Albania, in commemoration of those who suffered or lost their…
Pope Leo XIV sent a heartfelt message to 97-year-old Cardinal Ernest Simoni, who presided over a Mass on Friday, July 31, at the former prison camp of Spaç, Albania, in commemoration of those who suffered or lost their lives there. This camp holds significant historical weight, as it was the site where many endured immense suffering during the communist regime.
In a message that encapsulated hope and resilience, the Pope remarked, “No chain is strong enough to imprison a conscience enlightened by the Gospel; no night is so long that it can prevent the dawn the Lord prepares for His children; and no prison is deep enough to separate a person from the love of God.” This reflection, inspired by Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans (8:35–39), resonated deeply with the attendees of the Mass.
Speaking about Spaç, the Pope acknowledged the painful memories embedded within the site, stating, “That place, deeply engraved in the memory of the Albanian people, remains one of the most painful chapters in the nation’s history.” He expressed that the sacrifices made by those who suffered at the camp have left a lasting legacy of courage and fidelity, noting that “the blood of those who suffered and died among those mountains has watered that land, making it a silent witness to fidelity, courage and hope.”
During the Mass, Cardinal Simoni, who spent eighteen years in forced labor in various camps, reflected on his experiences. Initially sentenced to death for his faith, his sentence was later commuted to imprisonment, where he secretly celebrated Mass at great personal risk. Recalling these moments, he stated, “I risked my life every time I celebrated Mass,” performing the rite from memory in Latin and using makeshift elements to ensure the Eucharist could be administered.
Pope Leo XIV joined in prayer for the souls of many who were buried in unmarked graves at Spaç, lamenting that no prayers or mourning could accompany their resting places. He urged those present to remember the sacrifices made, emphasizing that their memory should serve as a reminder of the dignity of every human person and the importance of freedom and peace.
