Pope Francis Condemns Islamist Militants During Visit to Albania

On a visit to Albania, Pope Francis condemned the Islamic extremists around the world for perverting religion to justify violence.

"Let no one consider themselves to be the 'armor' of God while planning and carrying out acts of violence and oppression," Pope Francis told diplomats at the presidential palace. "May no one use religion as a pretext for actions against human dignity and against the fundamental rights of every man and woman, above all, the right to life and the right of everyone to religious freedom," the Pope said on Sunday, reports CNN.

Pope Francis said that though it was lawful to use force against the Islamic extremists, it should be done by consulting with the international community.

The Vatican had issued a strong statement last month denouncing the Islamic State's actions. It had also asked Muslim religious leaders to stop the extremists.

Later, Pope Francis cried on hearing the testimony of Reverend Ernest Troshani, 84, who was imprisoned for 28 years for refusing to speak against the Church as demanded by his captors.

"Today I touched the martyrs," Francis said after embracing Troshani, reports the Associated Press.

 Troshani was also tortured and forced to do labor by the jailers under Dictator Enver Hoxha, who declared Albania the world's first atheist state in 1967.

Under Hoxha's regime, hundreds of priests and imams were put in jail and many were executed. Pope Francis had said earlier that he wanted to visit Albania because it had suffered a great deal.

Albania's president, President Bujar  Nishani, thanked Pope Francis for making Albania  his  first European destination after becoming Pope.

The pope's decision to visit a poor country like Albania instead of a major European power is in keeping with a papacy that wants to reach out to the poorest of people.