Armenian bishop announces papal visit; Vatican denies plans
September 24, 2014
A ranking prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church has announced that Pope Francis will visit Armenia next year. But a papal spokesman has said that the Vatican has made no plans for such a trip.
Bishop Arshak Khachatrian, the chancellor of the Armenian see of Etchmiadzin, told reporters that the Pope would make an official state visit in 2015. But Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, said that there were no plans for the trip.
Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, and Church leaders are planning services in memory of the victims. Pope Francis is expected to celebrate a Mass in St. Peter's basilica in August 2015 to commemorate the deaths of over 1 million Armenians.
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Further information:
- Pope Francis to visit Armenia in March 2015 (Public Radio of Armenia)
- Pope will mark 100th anniversary of Armenian genocide (CWN, 8/21)
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