PRESS RELEASE
United States Conference
of Catholic Bishops
3211 Fourth Street NE
Washington DC 20017
Tel: 202-541-3000
Audience with the president of Armenia: special attention to Christian
communities and other religious minorities, and to refugees in
conflict zones
Vatican City, 19 September 2014 (VIS) – This morning the Holy Father
Francis received in Audience the President of the Republic of Armenia,
His Excellency Mr. Serzh Sargsyan, who subsequently met with His
Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by
His Excellency Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations
with States.
During the cordial discussions, satisfaction was expressed for the
development and strengthening of bilateral relations, highlighting the
special role of Christianity in the history and life of Armenian
society.
With regard to the regional political situation, it is hoped that
complex and hitherto unresolved issues may be overcome through
dialogue between all the interested parties. Furthermore, mention was
made of the theme of conflict in the Middle East, and trust was
expressed in the common efforts of interested nations and religious
communities to achieve a peaceful co-existence of peoples throughout
the entire region. Special attention was paid to the situation faced
by Christian communities and other religious minorities in the area,
and to the humanitarian crisis regarding refugees from the affected
zones.
From: A. Papazian