Acting President of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu has paid tribute to Don Kelmend Spaqi, honoring him as a devoted priest and patriot who served humanity during some of the most difficult periods in the country’s history.
Speaking at a memorial mass held in his honor, Haxhiu highlighted Spaqi’s life and legacy, describing him as a figure who stood as a “protective wall for human life and dignity” in times of crisis.
“For 33 years of priesthood, Don Kelmend served as a guide in times of uncertainty, support in times of fear, and a steadfast voice of truth,” Haxhiu said in a public statement.
She recalled his role during the 1999 Kosovo war, particularly in the village of Gllogjan, where he opened the doors of the “Shna Ndou” Church—widely known as the “Church of Hope”—to shelter hundreds of civilians forcibly displaced by violence.
According to Haxhiu, on April 4, 1999, under armed threat, Spaqi was asked to separate Catholic and Muslim civilians. He refused, stating that there were “no Catholics or Muslims here, only unprotected civilians.”
She described this act as a powerful demonstration of moral courage and deep human values, emphasizing that Spaqi’s stance reflected the principle that “before we are different, we are human and belong to the same country.”
Haxhiu also underscored his role in promoting interfaith harmony, noting that during the war, church bells were used to signal iftar and suhoor times for Muslim believers—an example of unity and coexistence under extraordinary circumstances.
Expressing institutional gratitude, Haxhiu said that figures like Spaqi should be honored by continuing the values they embodied.
“We are bidding farewell to a priest and patriot who dedicated his life to serving others,” she concluded, extending condolences to his family, the Catholic Church, and all those who knew him.
