The official visit of Armenia’s President Armen Sarkissian to the Holy See has begun. The private audience with Pope Francis was the president’s first meeting.
According to the president’s staff, Armen Sarkissian, referring to the Artsakh issue, stated that it is a human rights problem, “the demand of the Armenian people to realize their inalienable right to live, create, and self-determination in their ancient Christian cradle.”
The president also gratefully noted that at this stage of heavy and difficult challenges for Armenia, the Vatican has extended a hand of solidarity. As examples of its testimony, Armen Sarkissian cited the Pope’s messages of peace voiced during the days of the war and after, as well as the call to release Armenian prisoners of war.
The Holy See’s press service also issued a statement about the meeting, noting that they also focused on a number of issues of international and regional politics.
Let us recall that on October 5, the President of Armenia had left on a state visit to Italy, holding meetings with the country’s President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Mario Draghi, the speakers of both houses of parliament, and other high-ranking officials, and also participated in the awarding ceremony of the “Aurora” Prize on the island of San Lazzaro.
Last week, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II visited Rome; His Holiness met with the Pope.
