The Pope's visit to the South Caucasus heralds a bright future that will overcome the severe present, stated Leonardo Sandri, Cardinal, the prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Eastern Churches, in an interview with the Vatican Radio.
Note that Cardinal Sandri will deliver a memorial mass on April 24 at the Pontifical Armenian Lyceum.
In his interview he said : "I believe that it is necessary to remember the past with its traumatic events. However, we need to be reborn to new possibilities and hopes. Of course, there are wounds left. We are all deeply affected by the death of people in Nagorno-Karabakh, and we hope that with international assistance it will be possible to find a fair and long lasting resolution of the conflict that can bring serious consequences for two peoples, including Armenians , who are very dear to the Catholic Church . Armenia is the first Christian state in the world. Let's hope that the conflict will not grow into a war of religions. So, I think, it is necessary to have the support of those who can and should help to prevent the clashes that multiply the sufferings of the Armenian people, for them not to add to the wars of religions and peoples that poison the existence of human beings.
The Pope’s visit to the Caucasus will take place in two stages . First he will visit Armenia , then Georgia and Azerbaijan. As the Holy See has already said the Pope will meet with people . He will be able to implement what he had done during all his journeys – meet and be close to people, especially those who suffer . At the same time, his visit also will herald the future, which will defeat the severe present .
Similarly, the Pope visited Lesbos and Lampedusa to bring the message that what was happening there, should not continue . One can not sacrifice people in favor of others’ interests and projects. The Pop opens his arms and heart for all the believers. At the same time he heralds that we must do everything in our power in order to see the future of Armenia as open and carrying all its valuables to the international community.
“I think this visit will be good both for Armenia and other two countries, Georgia and Azerbaijan . The Caucasus should serve as a bridge that connects the East and the West and not as a place of separation walls and wars. "
