His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s Statement Before Leaving the Vatican

Before leaving the Vatican, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), made the following statement:

“As I come to conclude my visitation program to the Vatican, I would like to express my warm thanks and profound gratitude to His Holiness for granting me a private audience, which gave us the opportunity to exchange perspectives and concerns pertaining to issues of a common nature. My special thanks are also due to His Eminences Cardinal Parolin, Cardinal Koch, Cardinal Gugerotti, and Cardinal Koovakad for the interesting and fruitful discussions that we had regarding ecumenical and inter-religious matters as well as issues related to Lebanon, Artsakh, and the Middle East.

The core of our discussions was how we can enhance and expand our bilateral relations and collaboration. It is important by looking backward to remind ourselves of our long-standing relations; it is equally important to look forward to exploring together new ways of collaboration, and that is how we can move forward in our common ecumenical journey.

Holy See of Cilicia, with its spirit of openness, broadmindedness, and dialogue, has always been ecumenical. Ecumenism is no longer an option in the world today; it is a must. Likewise, intra-religious dialogue is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. With this spirit and commitment, we will continue our ecumenical journey considering the visible unity of the church, the ultimate goal of the ecumenical movement, and peaceful and coherent co-existence among religions, the very purpose of inter-faith dialogue and collaboration.”

The Vatican

20 May 2026

This statement was originally published on the Website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias - Lebanon.