At the conclusion of his official visit to the Vatican, Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia performed the “Cilicia” hymn and the patriarchal blessing hymn in St. Peter’s Square together with clergy members of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia.
The hymns included references to Catholicos Aram I and Pope Leo XIV.
Earlier, Aram I participated in the pope’s weekly public audience in the square together with Pope Leo XIV, the Catholicosate of Cilicia said.
In his remarks, the pope said: “This brotherly visit is an important occasion to strengthen the ties that already exist as we move closer to the full unity of our churches.”
Afterward, in the presence of the public, Pope Leo XIV and Aram I embraced and exchanged farewell wishes.
During his meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Catholicos Aram I discussed Armenian prisoners and stressed the right of Artsakh Armenians to return under international guarantees. He also addressed the preservation of Armenian churches and historical monuments, emphasizing that it should be carried out in accordance with international law.
