Armenian Apostolic Church Supreme Patriarch Karekin II and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV met today at the Vatican and discussed recent global developments and the challenges facing Armenia.

Catholicos Karekin II told Pope Leo about the problems facing Armenians forcibly displaced from Artsakh and the need to ensure the preservation of the Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage in lands now controlled by Azerbaijan.

The Armenian church leader also described the plight of Armenians now detained in Azerbaijan.

The Catholicos of All Armenians extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Patriarch of the See of St. Peter on his recent election as well as on his seventieth  birthday.

Catholicos Karekin II expressed confidence that relations between the two churches will continue to develop in the same fraternal spirit and warmth, resulting in new joint achievements.

Catholicos Karekin II extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Armenia.