Catholicos Karekin II of the Armenian Apostolic Church met with Pope Leo XIV at the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo.

According to a press release from the Armenian Church, Karekin II congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election and on his 70th birthday. He also extended an invitation for the Pope to visit Armenia.

Karekin II stated that the “brotherly ties” between the two Churches have grown stronger through “meetings and joint testimonies to faith,” recalling Pope John Paul II’s visit to Armenia in 2001, as well as Pope Francis’ 2016 visit, known as the “Visit to the First Christian Nation.”

The two Church leaders discussed “concerning developments and disasters” around the world, as well as the "challenges facing Armenia and the Armenian people."

According to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Karekin II also presented to the Pope the issues facing the forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh, the urgent need to preserve Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage facing the risk of destruction in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the importance of securing the release of prisoners of war and hostages.

Karekin II also visited Santa Maria Maggiore to pray at the tomb of the late Pope Francis.

The visit comes as Karekin II faces accusations by Armenian government officials of illegitimately holding office. The Church has dismissed the accusations.

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1229785