President takes part in opening of Armenian cross-stone permanent exhibition in Vatican

On his official visit to the Holy See President Serzh Sargsyan today visited the Vatican Museums where he participated in the opening of a medieval Armenian cross-stone permanent exhibition. The cross-stone which dates back to 1246 was placed at the Pope Urbano VIII exhibition room of the Vatican Museums next to the famous Sistine Chapel.

The President of the Vatican Governatorate Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, the Director of the Vatican Museums Antonio Paolucci and the heads of the sections welcomed the RA President near the entrance of the museum building. The RA President was led to the permanent exhibition room of the medieval Armenian cross-stone. Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello and Professor Antonio Paolucci made speeches at the opening of the cross-stone. Mr. Filipini who is responsible for the museum’s lithographic exhibits and the Head of the Armenology Department of the University of Bologna Anna Sirinyan presented the history of the cross-stone followed by the speech of the RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Holy See Mikayel Minasyan. The speakers noted that the cross-stone which is a striking illustration of Armenian culture was discovered in the 17th century in the surroundings of St. Peter’s Square in Vatican.

The RA President donated a sculpture by the modern Armenian sculptor Karen Baghdasaryan to the Vatican Museums.