"The Albanians resisted them for 25 years with a tenacious and invincible spirit, because of the valor and courage of their greatest leader, George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, and this day celebrates the 500th anniversary of his death. We are delighted to learn that all Albanians, at home and abroad, plan to honor this anniversary by offering homage and veneration to their national hero whom they will never forget. This Holy See is pleased to join in the praise of this man of great nobility, a faithful son of the Church and a son whom sovereign pontiffs before us have praised possibly more glowingly than any other man of his time. For 25 years he saved his country from the assault of enemies. He defended his country threatened by the greatest danger, at the head of an army which was the rampart and defense of Christianity."