President Sargsyan discusses conflicts with Pope Francis during Vatican visit

A Vatican statement said: "Pope Francis and Sargsyan also touched upon issues related to the political context of the region and expressed hope for the solution of situations of conflict".

Pope Francis on Thursday (5 April) met in the Vatican with religious and political leaders of the Republic of Armenia led by President Serzh Sargsyan, and the religious leaders, the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, and Aram I, the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.

Following the meetings, the Pope and the Armenian delegation participated in an inauguration ceremony and blessing of a statue of Saint Gregory of Narek in the Vatican gardens. Pope Francis and Armenian Patriarchs blessed a bronze statue of St Gregory of Narek

A Holy See Press Office communiqué said that during the cordial discussions that took place between the Pope and the President, keen satisfaction was expressed for the good relations that exist between the Holy See and Armenia.

It also noted that the inauguration of the statute of Saint Gregory of Narek provided an opportunity to build upon these relations and to strengthen those that exist between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Catholic Church.

The Vatican statement said that "Pope Francis and Sargsyan also touched upon issues related to the political context of the region and expressed hope for the solution of situations of conflict. They also turned their attention to other current international issues including the situation of Christians and religious minorities in conflict areas."

President Sargsyan later had a seperate meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and with the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

source: commonspace.eu with Vatican Radio

photo: Pope Francis with the Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan at their meeting in the Vatican on 5 April 2018 (picture courtesy of Vatican Radio)

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.  

Popular

Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.