YEREVAN. -- It has been already a week of preparatory works for the platform in Yerevan's Republic Square, where Pope Francis and Karekin II will be holding an ecumenical ceremony and prayer for peace.

Against the background of blue and yellow colors of the stage stands out Mount Ararat. The picture of Jesus Christ is at the center surrounded with angels. On the right side of the stage there a platform for the choir. More than 80 musicians will participate in the ecumenical ceremony and the prayer for peace. Tonight there will be a rehearsal.

The peace prayer and ecumenical ceremony will take place on June 25 at 19: 00 pm. The entrance is free. A large number of policemen, ambulance employees, and rescuers will oversee the event’s security requirements. The Pope has a very busy schedule and will stay till June 26.
 

On the first day of his trip Pope Francis will visit to pray at Apostolic Cathedral at Etchmiadzin. The pontiff will pay a courtesy visit to Armenia's President in the Presidential Palace. Later a meeting with civil authorities and the diplomatic corps in the presidential palace is scheduled. Pope will also hold a private meeting with Catholicos in the Apostolic Palace.

On Saturday Pope will visit the Armenian Genocide victims’ Memorial, Armenia's second largest city of Gyumri, and hold pray for peace in Yerevan’s Republic Square. On June 26, Pope Francis will meet with bishops in Etchmiadzin and attend the Mass in the Cathedral, delivered by the Catholics of All Armenians Garegin II. It is also expected to sign a joint declaration.

On the final day of his trip, The Bishop of Rome will head to Khor Virap monastery near the Turkish border where he will release doves in the direction of Mount Ararat. On Sunday evening The Bishop of Rome will pray in Khorvirap church.

Intro: The platform for ceremonies held by The Bishop of Rome is ready.