Vatican cardinal meets with Armenian president
September 30, 2015
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the prefect of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches, traveled to Armenia from September 25 to 28 and met with the nation’s civil and religious leaders.
President Serzh Sargsyan emphasized his gratitude to Pope Francis for the Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica for the centenary of the beginning of the Armenian genocide.
“In these parts, groups of various sizes have found welcome, groups of persons fleeing the long and bloody conflicts in the Middle East and especially in Syria,” said Cardinal Sandri. “May these acts of caring for people in need portend a new era of conciliation and dialogue, for which the Holy See would like to express all its sympathy and support.”
Located in the Caucasus region, Armenia is a nation of 3 million people. 93% of Armenians belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church, which ceased to be in full communion with the Holy See following the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon (451). 6% of Armenians are Catholic.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Cardinal Sandri leads Vatican delegation to Armenia (Vatican Radio)
- Pope Francis: Homily at Mass for the Centenary of the Armenian Metz Yeghern
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
