Tirana prepares for the visit of Pope Francis on September 21.

World Bulletin / News Desk

Albania is in hectic preparation for the visit of Pope Francis to its capital, Tirana, on September 21.

The Culture Ministry announced that work had begun for the restoration of the Mother Teresa Square where Pope Francis will hold a mass on the day of his visit.

The ministry listed the removal of the fountain on the square and the cleanup of the neighborhood among the first tasks to handle.

Earlier, Pope Francis said that his visit to Albania would be an opportunity to express his support to the country.

He said his brief visit to the country which had long suffered consequences of the problems of the past, would be an opportunity to encourage its people.

Fifteen percent of Albania's population are Catholic, while another 15 percent are Orthodox and more than 60 percent Muslim.