Vatican City: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently visited the Vatican, where he held a significant meeting with Pope Francis. On Monday, November 18, Pashinyan, who has served as Armenia's 16th Prime Minister since 2018, engaged in a half-hour discussion with the Pope in the library of the Apostolic Palace.

The meeting concluded with a traditional exchange of gifts. Prime Minister Pashinyan presented Pope Francis with a copy of the Book of Lamentations, a renowned work by Saint Gregory of Narek, who is revered in both the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Catholic Church. This particular edition was specially crafted by Armenian goldsmiths, adding a unique touch to the presentation. In return, Pope Francis gifted the Armenian leader a sculpture symbolizing peace, respect for humanity, and the environment. The sculpture featured contrasting imagery, with one side dedicated to peace and respect, while the other highlighted the world's struggles with pollution.

Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
The meeting was seen as a reinforcement of the close ties between the Vatican and Armenia, the first nation in the world to officially adopt Christianity. In a statement from the Armenian government, Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized the importance of increased interaction between Yerevan and the Vatican, describing their relationship as "special." He commended the Pope's ongoing international peace efforts and updated him on the latest progress in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations.

Addressing Historical and Humanitarian Concerns
During the discussions, the Armenian Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for the Vatican’s ongoing support for the release of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan. The topic has been of particular concern since one prisoner, Gevorg Sujian, made a direct appeal to Pope Francis last year. Sujian's family forwarded his heartfelt letter to the Vatican, yet they remain uncertain if the Pope has received or read it.

Pope Francis' connection with Armenia dates back to June 2016, when he visited the country and referred to the mass killings of Armenians from 1915 to 1923 as "genocide" — a term that has significant historical and emotional resonance for the Armenian community. The genocide, carried out by the Ottoman Turkish Empire, resulted in the deaths of approximately 1.5 million Armenian Christians. This acknowledgment by Pope Francis has further solidified the bond between Armenia and the Holy See.

A Brief Yet Impactful Visit
Pashinyan’s visit to the Vatican was notably brief, lasting just a few hours, yet it carried deep symbolic importance. It highlighted the continued efforts for peace, acknowledgment of shared history, and the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Armenia and the Vatican.

The meeting was a testament to the enduring connection between the two entities, rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace and humanity.

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