ETCHMIADZIN. – Pope Francis’ visit to Armenia will kick off on June 24.

An official welcoming ceremony will be held at Zvartnots International Airport in capital city Yerevan. Subsequently, the Pope will head for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, where a welcoming ceremony will take place at the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral.

The Mother See informed Armenian News-NEWS.am that, in the evening, the Bishop of Rome will meet, at the presidential residence, with President Serzh Sargsyan. Next, he will get together with representatives of the Armenian authorities, society, and the diplomatic corps. The first day of the papal visit to Armenia will wrap up with a talk, at the Mother See, between Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and Pope Francis. 

On the morning of June 25, the Supreme Pontiff will visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial and its museum-institute. Subsequently, the Pope and the Catholicos will travel to Gyumri, where a holy mass will be celebrated at Vardanants Square. Pope Francis will also visit a nunnery as well as the Seven Wounds Holy Mother of God Armenian Apostolic Church and the Holy Martyrs Armenian Catholic Cathedral. In the evening,  an ecumenical ceremony as well as a Prayer for Peace will be conducted at Republic Square in Yerevan.

On June 26, the Pope will meet, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, with the Armenian Catholic bishops and attend a Divine Liturgy and an ecumenical feast. Subsequently, Pope Francis will get together with the delegates and benefactors of the Armenian Church.

In addition, Karekin II and Pope Francis will sign a joint statement, and offer payers at Khor Virap Monastery in Ararat Province.

On the same day, the Bishop of Rome will return to the Holy See.