Catholicos of All Armenians Receives Clergy of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Naples
22.10.2026
On October 22, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received clergy members of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Naples (Italy) at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, who had arrived in Armenia on a pilgrimage.
His Holiness blessed the guests and offered his good wishes, speaking warmly of the fraternal relations between the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and the Roman Catholic Church, as well as the historical ties uniting the Armenian and Italian peoples.
The Catholicos of All Armenians particularly highlighted the profound veneration of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Naples, where his holy relics are preserved and revered. In this connection, His Holiness recalled Pope John Paul II's 2000 gift of a relic of St. Gregory the Illuminator to the Armenian Church, as well as his own 2015 visit to Naples on the occasion of the reinterment of the saint's relics.
During the meeting, the importance of reciprocal visits and exchanges of experience among clergy was emphasized as a means of strengthening fraternal ties and fostering the fruitful ministry of both Churches.
Expressing their gratitude to His Holiness for the warm reception, the guests noted that their desire to become acquainted with the Armenian Church’s centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage had brought them to Armenia. They also shared their impressions of their visits to holy sites.
During the meeting, His Holiness also answered pilgrims’ questions about the work of theological educational institutions, clergy training, the spiritual and pastoral mission of the Armenian Church, its sacraments, and liturgical life.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Holiness wished the clergy the Lord’s strength and support in their spiritual ministry.
