Meetings at the Vatican
17.09.2025
On September 15 and 16, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, undertook an official visit to the Vatican, meeting with cardinals responsible for several key Vatican structures.
The Supreme Patriarch met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See. During their discussion, they addressed conflicts unfolding in different parts of the world as well as developments in the region. The discussion underscored the importance of coordinated efforts by the international community, including sister Churches, in working toward lasting and stable peace.
At the meeting, special attention was given to protecting the rights of Armenians from Artsakh who were forced to leave their homeland, safeguarding Artsakh’s spiritual and cultural heritage, and securing the release of its political leaders and prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan.
His Holiness also visited the Dicastery for the Eastern Catholic Churches, where he met with its Prefect, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti. He expressed his gratitude for the cardinal’s warm attitude and dedicated service to the Armenian people and the Armenian Church.
During his visit, the Supreme Patriarch met with Cardinal Kurt Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity; Cardinal José Tolentino, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education; and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.
Discussions focused on expanding cooperation between the Roman Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, addressing challenges facing the Armenian people and the broader Christian world, and preserving Christian values and cultural heritage.
On the evening of September 16, the delegation led by His Holiness returned to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
