The Armenian Catholic Church of St. Nicholas in Rome hosted a religious ceremony on the occasion of Armenia’s Independence Day and the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and the Holy See. Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, presided over the Mass.
Speaking about the relations between Armenia and the Vatican, Cardinal Sandri noted that the history of diplomatic relations is a path consisting of a number of bright points, including the visits of the three Presidents of Armenia to the Holy See, the visits of Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis to Armenia, the warm and constructive contacts between the Holy See and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Cardinal Sandri added that any step has created an opportunity for establishment of deeper ties of respect and friendship, which have enriched the diplomatic relations.
Addressing the public after the Mass, Armenia’s Ambassador to the Holy See Mickael Minasyan noted that the relations between Armenia and Vatican have centuries-long history and have developed on the basis of constructive dialogue and deep mutual trust. The inter-church, intercultural and interpersonal relations have come to contribute to the high level of interstate contacts registered over the past quarter of century.
The Ambassador expressed gratitude to Cardinal Sandri for his personal contribution to the development of interstate and interchurch relations between Armenia and the Vatican.
The Mass was followed by a reception, featuring high-ranking officials from the Holy See Secretariat, Ambassadors and diplomats accredited to the Vatican.
