President Armen Sarkissian sent a congratulatory message to His Holiness Pope Francis: Armenia-Vatican interstate relations continue to develop harmoniously

President Armen Sarkissian sent a congratulatory message to His Holiness Pope Francis on the anniversary of his election as Pontiff.

Armen Sarkissian was the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Vatican. In 1997 he received the St. Gregory the Great Order from His Holiness Pope John Paul II. Through his active participation, in 1999 in attendance of His Holiness blessed memory John Paul II and His Holiness blessed memory Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin I, the “Armenia-Rome” exhibition was opened at the Sistine Chapel to commemorate the rich common historical and cultural past.

President Armen Sarkissian mentioned this in his message and noted also that Armenians’ ties and relations with Vatican go back millennia and nowadays Armenia-Vatican interstate relations continue to develop harmoniously. President Sarkissian expressed his gratitude for His Holiness’s unequivocal stance on peace in the world, establishment of justice and human dignity and strengthening of the Republic of Armenia-Holy See interstate relations.

“I recall with special warmth your visit to Armenia in June 2016 and our private meeting,” President Sarkissian noted in his message to His Holiness. “I am hopeful that we will meet again in the nearest future.”

President Armen Sarkissian wished His Holiness excellent health, success and resilience to lead in the years to come his devoted service at the Ecumenical Church.