Vatican City: Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian, Catholicos of the Armenian Catholic House of Cilicia, held a meeting with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. The Armenian Catholic Patriarchate's press office released a statement on Saturday detailing the encounter.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the meeting included an in-depth discussion on the current situation of the Armenian Catholic Church and the challenges it faces. They also addressed pressing issues affecting Lebanon and the broader Middle East, particularly in light of ongoing political, humanitarian, and spiritual crises.
At the close of their discussion, Patriarch Minassian extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Lebanon at the earliest opportunity. He emphasized the significance of the Pope's pastoral presence amidst the current circumstances. Pope Leo XIV expressed his interest in the coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Lebanon, underscoring the importance of supporting and fortifying this coexistence as a foundation for peace and stability in the region.
The meeting underscored the deep spiritual partnership between the Holy See and the Armenian Catholic Church and highlighted their shared commitment to delivering a message of hope and unity amid various challenges.