There were many endearing moments recorded of our Holy Father during his 80th year, and none quite as moving as his meeting with the elderly Cardinal Ernest Simoni Troshani of Albania, with whom he wept.
We wish Pope Francis every blessing on his 83rd birthday and offer our gratitude for the gift of his life to our Church.
Cardinal Ernest Simoni & Pope Francis
Cardinal Ernest Simoni
Cardinal Ernest Simoni & Pope FrancisCardinal Ernest Simoni, the “Living Martyr” of Albania
His story moved Pope Francis to tears.
In the consistory of November 2016, among the 17 men Pope Francis elevated to the rank of cardinal was an 88-year-old priest who was neither a bishop nor of the eligible age to vote in a conclave.
The Papal Artifacts’ Collection is primarily dedicated to artifacts connected to the papacy. Individual popes, their biographies and multiple items belonging to them, including first and second class relics, make up the majority of this Collection. But that isn’t all it is.
Father Kunst has a deep devotion to the saints as can be readily seen in viewing the Saints & Blesseds section of this site. We invite you to visit Papal History/Saints & Blesseds to view the many canonized and beatified men and women who make up this section of the Collection.
Another category is also included with this Collection: Notable Individuals. These are people significantly associated with the Catholic Church who have not been canonized but contributed in outstanding ways to the church.
Cardinal Simoni Troshani is one such individual whose story brought our Holy Father to tears.
The item featured here is an autographed photo of Cardinal Ernest Simoni Troshani of Albania with Pope Francis.
