Armenian Catholic Patriarch meets Pope Leo XIV, discuss Middle East and Lebanon visit

The Press Office of the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate issued the following statement:

Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian, Catholicos-Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenian Catholics, visited His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in a meeting held at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.

During the meeting, an in-depth discussion took place regarding the situation of the Armenian Catholic Church and the challenges it faces during this critical period. The conversation also covered urgent issues affecting Lebanon and the broader Middle East, amid the ongoing political, humanitarian, and spiritual crises.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Patriarch Minassian extended an invitation to His Holiness to visit Lebanon at the earliest opportunity, emphasizing the importance of his pastoral presence in the current circumstances. Pope Leo XIV expressed deep interest in the unique coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Lebanon, stressing the need to support and strengthen it as a cornerstone for peace and stability in the region.

This encounter reflects the profound spiritual partnership between the Holy See and the Armenian Catholic Church, and their shared commitment to the message of hope and unity in the face of challenges.