Catholicos of All Armenians holds important meetings in Vatican

Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, held a series of important meetings in the Vatican, addressing vital concerns for the Armenian people, the press office of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin reported.

During the visit, Karekin II met with senior cardinals from various Vatican institutions. Notably, he held discussions with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The sides addressed global conflicts, regional developments, and other pressing matters. The Catholicos emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of displaced Artsakh Armenians, preserving spiritual and cultural heritage, and securing the release of prisoners of war and state officials held in Azerbaijan.

The Catholicos also met with Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. His Holiness expressed gratitude for the Cardinal’s warm regard and dedicated service to the Armenian people and the Armenian Church.

Additional meetings were held with Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity; Cardinal José Tolentino, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education; and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States. These discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Catholic Church, as well as preserving Christian values and heritage.