During a trip to the mostly Muslim nation of Albania , Pope Francis rebuked militants who act in the name of religion , saying no one can act as the `` armor of God . '' The Pope lauded Albanians during a visit to the capital of Tirana , calling the Balkan nation one that proves `` a peaceful and fruitful coexistence between persons and communities of believers of different religions is not only desirable , but possible and realistic . '' The pontiff did n't refer to any militant group by name . He denounced those who have perverted religious spirit and who are engaged in violence that prevents harmony between people of different faiths . Last month , he denounced ISIS , the Islamist militant group seeking to establish a caliphate in the Middle East . He called ISIS an `` unjust aggressor '' On Sunday , he again spoke harshly against religious warriors . `` 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 pontiff pointed to the religious peace in Albania , a country relatively new to the concept of religious freedom . The population is 56 % Muslim , 10 % Catholic and 7 % Orthodox , according to the CIA Factbook . The climate of respect and trust between those groups is a `` precious gift , '' the pontiff said . It has been two decades since a Pope last visited Albania , which is a short distance from Italy , just across the Adriatic Sea . The day-long visit is the first for Francis to another European country since he became Pope . On his way to the palace , he rode through the streets past multitudes of cheering fans and onlookers in an open Pope mobile . Later the Pope celebrated Mass on Mother Teresa Square . Many see Pope Francis ' visit as support for the country 's efforts to grow closer to the West and its wish to join the European Union . Albania was a Soviet satellite state before the fall of European communism at the end of the Cold War . It has been a democratic republic for 24 years .
No one can act as the ` ` armor of God , '' Pope Francis says . Pontiff says Albania is an example of how people of different religions can work together . He does n't mention any militant group by name . Religious freedom is relatively new in the country with a large Muslim population .