On Monday, Pope Leo XIV welcomed His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church – See of Cilicia, in a significant meeting at the Vatican. This occasion marked the Catholicos's first official visit to Pope Leo and was followed by a moment of prayer in the Urban VIII Chapel of the Apostolic Palace.
During their discussion, Pope Leo expressed gratitude for Aram I's efforts to strengthen relations with the Catholic Church and highlighted the importance of unity among Christians. He acknowledged the ongoing theological dialogue between their Churches, emphasizing its significance since it began in 2003 under the framework of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches.
The Pope remarked on the necessity of this dialogue, stating he hopes it will “continue with renewed vigour” despite recent challenges, underlining that “for there can be no restoration of communion between our Churches without unity in faith.”
Pope Leo XIV conveyed his deep concern for the people of Lebanon and the Churches of the Middle East, recalling fond memories of his visit to Lebanon in December. He remarked on Lebanon's historical role as a model of coexistence among diverse cultures and religions while lamenting the severe trials the country currently faces. The Pope expressed that “our Churches are called to strengthen the fraternal bonds that unite not only Christians among themselves but also with their brothers and sisters from other communities in their shared homeland.”
As the meeting concluded, Pope Leo assured Aram I, “I assure you of my daily prayers and of the deep concern I feel for the people of Lebanon and for the Churches of the Middle East.” He expressed hope that their joint prayers would contribute to unity, enduring peace, and the renewal of the earth ahead of the Solemnity of Pentecost.
In addition to his meeting with Pope Leo, during his time in Rome, Catholicos Aram I will visit the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and other Dicasteries of the Roman Curia. On Tuesday, the Catholicos will deliver a public lecture on the challenges faced by the Churches in the Middle East at the Pontifical Oriental Institute.
