KSTP.com
April 12 2015

Pope Calls Armenian Slaughter ‘1st Genocide of 20th Century’

Pope Francis uttered the politically explosive word “genocide” today
as he referred to the slaughter of Armenians 100 years ago by the
Ottoman Empire.

He was celebrating Mass in the Armenian Catholic rite in St. Peter’s
Basilica honoring the centenary. Even though an estimated 1.5 million
Armenians died, the pronouncement will is likely anger Turkey, which
has long denied any genocide. The Armenians have been campaigning for
greater recognition of the genocide.

Francis, who has close ties to the Armenian community from his days in
Argentina, defended his pronouncement by saying it was his duty to
honor the memory of the innocent men, women, children, priests and
bishops who were killed.

Turkey’s embassy to the Holy See canceled a planned news conference,
presumably after learning that the pope would utter the word
“genocide” over its objections.

Several European countries recognize the massacres as genocide.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress