Pope Francis thanked the President of Armenia and the Catholicos Karekin II, the Partriarch, the Catholic bishops and the people of Armenia for welcoming him as a pilgrim in fraternity and peace.
At a special Jubilee audience at St Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope reflected on his recent visit to Armenia, Vatican Radio reported.
“This past weekend I made a Pastoral Visit to Armenia, the first nation to embrace the Christian faith and a people which has remained faithful even in the midst of great trials,” the pontiff said.
Pope added that he would go to Georgia and Azerbaijan where he will “support every effort to encourage peace and reconciliation in a spirit of respect for all.”
“With gratitude for the welcome and fellowship showed me by the Armenian Apostolic Church, I ask the Virgin Mary to strengthen Christians everywhere to remain firm in the faith and to work for a society of ever greater justice and peace.”
