Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On October 06, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; met with His Holiness Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome; in Vatican. During the conversation, His Holiness touched upon the catastrophic consequences of the 44-day War, the current challenges facing Armenia and Artsakh, especially emphasizing the issue of the return of the prisoners of war, and those held captive in the post-war period.

The Armenian Pontiff also expressed his gratitude to His Holiness Pope Francis for the support to the Armenian people and Armenia during the war.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the His Holiness Pope Francis conveyed His Blessings to the delegation members accompanying the Catholicos of All Armenians.

Then, the delegation led by the Pontiff of All Armenians; met with His Eminence Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Secretary of State. During the conversation, reference was made to the situation in the region after the 44-day War of Artsakh. In particular, issues related to the security of the people of Artsakh, the encroachments on the sovereign territories of Armenia, as well as the preservation of the Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan were discussed.

The Catholicos of All Armenians greatly emphasized the importance of the role of the international community in overcoming the current challenges and problems.