Catholic believers in Kosovo woke up today to the news of the sudden death of Don Kelmend Spaqi, a respected parish priest known for his humanitarian role during the Kosovo war.
Don Kelmend Spaqi, who served at the “Shna Ndout” Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in courage and interfaith solidarity in Kosovo and across the Balkans. His most notable contribution dates back to the 1998–1999 Kosovo war, when he transformed the church in Gllogjan, near Peja, into a shelter for hundreds of Albanian civilians fleeing violence.
Eyewitnesses from the time recall how he personally confronted Serbian paramilitary forces, negotiating for the release and protection of innocent civilians. His actions helped save lives in one of the most volatile regions during the conflict, marking him as a key humanitarian figure in Kosovo’s recent history.
Remarkably, the church became a refuge not only for Catholics but also for many Muslim families from surrounding villages. In a powerful act of unity, Don Spaqi rang the church bells to signal iftar and suhoor during Ramadan, supporting Muslim residents under siege. Despite being questioned by Serbian forces, he continued to protect those in need, reinforcing a rare example of interreligious harmony during wartime in the Balkans.
His death has prompted strong reactions from religious and political leaders in Albania and Kosovo, who described his passing as a major loss for the nation and the Catholic Church. The funeral ceremony will take place on Monday at 11:00 in his hometown of Velezh, Prizren.