Pope’s pilgrimage to first Christian country - details and international coverage

YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. In a few hours Pope Francis will arrive in Armenia. The spiritual leader of the Catholic world called pilgrimage his visit to Armenia. The slogan of the visit is entitled “Visit to the first Christian Nation”.

“I ask you to pray for me, in a few days I will go as a pilgrim to an eastern land, Armenia, the first among the Nations to receive the Gospel of Jesus”, Pope Francis said showing the audience that the visit to Armenia is not an ordinary visit, but rather it is a pilgrimage to a country which was the first to adopt the Christianity in the world.

“I think this visit is first of all a gesture to express admiration towards the old church which during his long history remained faithful to the Jesus Christ, as well as it is an expression of loyalty towards that country: the country which first became a Christian. Pope Francis will express his gratitude and respect to the Armenian people who grew up with a Christian spirit and managed to maintain their faith and identity for centuries. This visit is also very important for the Diaspora Armenians”, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental ChurchesLeonardo Sandri said during an interview with LaStampa journal. He will accompany Pope Francis during his visit to Armenia.

Director of the Vatican Press Office Federico Lombardi said Pope Francis’ visit outlines his desire to show his closeness to the Armenian people who had suffered a lot during their long history, as well as to share the aspiration for peace with Armenians. He informed that Pope Francis will meet the descendents of the Armenian Genocide victims during his visit to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial.

As “Armenpress” reports, Pope Francis’ visit to Armenia has long been in the spotlight of the international media, almost all prominent international media write about his visit. In particular, RomeReports writes that Pope Francis will speak about easing the tensions on the Caucasian region, will move forward the idea of reconciliation with Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Reuters published an article on the occasion of Pope’s visit to Armenia which is entitled “Pope Francis will visit Armenia after irking Turkey with ‘genocide’ label”.

The Guardian writes: “Pope Francis will visit Genocide Memorial in Armenia. Pope Francis is expected to avoid using the word “genocide” to avoid rift between Turkey and Vatican”.

The Wall Street Journal says: “Pope Francis will visit Genocide Memorial in Armenia. Three-day papal trip skirts Azerbaijan but risks antagonizing Turkey”.

The Independent also in its article concentrated on the fact whether Pope Francis will use the word ‘genocide” during his visit in the Genocide Memorial.

“Pope Francis will travel to Armenia on Friday to start a three-day trip that will test the Vatican's already-strained relations with Turkey”, NBC News writes, which is also interested in whether Pope will use the term ‘genocide’. “The Pope's visit is officially to honor the country's status as the first nation to recognize Christianity”, news agency writes.

German Deutsche Welle also published an article entitled “Armenia prepares for Pope Francis’ visit. His visit will be one of the most significant religious events of the last decade”.

On June 24 Pope Francis will arrive in Armenia. He will hold meetings with President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, then the Armenian leadership and the representatives of public and diplomatic sectors. At the end of the day Pope Francis will meet Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.

On June 25 Pope Francis will visit the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex and the Museum-Institute of the Armenian Genocide. After that he will visit Gyumritogether with Catholicos of All Armenianswhere a liturgy will be delivered in Vardanants Square. The same day ecumenical ceremony and Pray for Peace will be held in the Republican Square, Yerevan.

On June 26, Pope Francis will meet the Armenian Catholic Bishops, will participate in liturgy and ecumenical dinner. After that he will meet the delegates and philanthropists of the Armenian Church.

Pope Francis and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II will sign a Joint statement. They will deliver a prayer in Khor Virap monastery.

On June 26 Pope Francis will depart for Rome from Yerevan.