Cardinal Ernest Simoni celebrates Mass in Rijeka, honoring his persecution legacy

On 26 August, 98‑year‑old Albanian Cardinal Ernest Simoni, described by Pope Francis as a “living martyr”, led a Mass at the Parish of St. John the Baptist in Škurinjama, Rijeka. The celebration was attended by dozens of parishioners and members of the Albanian Catholic community from Istria and Primorje‑Gorski Kotar. Parish priest Mons. Ivan Nikolić highlighted the event as a special blessing and linked it to the World Day of the Elderly, noting that Simoni’s presence exemplifies how senior years can be a period of active witness to the Gospel.

Simoni’s life bears the scars of Albania’s communist era: secret theological studies, imprisonment, forced labor, and clandestine ministry under Enver Hoxha’s regime. Recognised by Pope Francis after the papal visit to Albania in 2014, his story was commemorated during the Rijeka Mass, underscoring themes of endurance, faith and respect for the elderly.