A delegation led by Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II on Tuesday left the Vatican for the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo in Italy, where it met with Pope Leo XIV, informed the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

After a fraternal greeting, the heads of the Armenian Apostolic and the Roman Catholic Churches had a private conversation.

Karekin II reflected with satisfaction that the fraternal ties between the two churches have been strengthened through gracious meetings and joint testimonies of faith.

Also, the Catholicos of All Armenians expressed confidence that the relations between the two churches will continue to develop in the same fraternal spirit and warmth, resulting in new and good joint achievements.

During the conversation, the two spiritual leaders discussed the disasters and worrying developments taking place in the world, the challenges facing Armenia and the Armenian people, as well as the trials they are enduring. Also, the issues of the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Armenians displaced from their ancestral homeland, Artsakh, the imperative of preserving the Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage facing the threat of destruction in Artsakh, and the release of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages in Azerbaijan were brought to the attention of Pope Leo.

The Catholicos and the Pope underscored the mission of the churches in establishing justice and peace in the world, and ensuring the harmonious coexistence of peoples.

At the end of the meeting, Karekin II extended an invitation to Pope Leo to visit Armenia, and gifts were exchanged.