VATICAN CITY (A.W.)—Pope Francis received Armenian President Serge Sarkisian, along with an Armenian delegation, on Sept. 19, reported the Office of the President. The two discussed bilateral relations, noting that they are based on similar Christian values and ideologies. They also discussed the close cooperation between the Catholic Church and the Mother See of the Holy Etchmiadzin. Sarkisian extended an official invitation to Pope Francis to visit Armenia in 2015, which the Pope readily accepted, expressing his sincere desire to visit the country.
Sarkisian also met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and His Excellency Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for State Relations, according to a statement released by the Vatican. Among the topics discussed were the strengthening of bilateral relations, the role of Christianity in the history and current affairs of Armenia, and the situation of Christian and other minorities in the Middle East, including the refugee crisis. During the meeting, the peaceful resolution to the Karabagh conflict was also discussed, and Sarkisian thanked Cardinal Parolin for the Vatican’s balanced position on the issue.
Sarkisian arrived at the Vatican on Sept. 18. He visited the Vittoriano Museum for the official opening of a photo exhibit on Christianity, during which he also addressed the audience.
In August, it was reported that Pope Francis will hold Mass for the Armenian Genocide Centennial in the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican on April 12, 2015. The Announcement was made by the Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires Mario Poli during a Mass in the Armenian Catholic Parish of Our Lady of Narek.
Below is footage from Sarkisian’s visit to the Vatican:
What an honor for all the Armenians around the world. Thank you Pope Francis and thank you Vatican for your acknowledgment of the Armenians in the world…..
Thank you holy father and thank you mr president by honoring God himself and his holy church and armenian genocide victims