YEREVAN. – The official welcoming ceremony of Pope Francis has started.

Following the official protocol, the Head of the hosting State Protocol Service and Papal Nuncio Marek Solchinski, the Ambassador of the visiting State, go on board of the aircraft to invite His Holiness to the exit.

Pope is welcomed at the aircraft by President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and the First Lady, and His Holiness Karekin  II, the Catholicos (Patriarch) of All Armenians.

Among those who greet Pope are public official, diplomats, clergy of the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic Churches. 

Pope is greeted by the Armenian Medieval Sharakans – spiritual hymns – performed by the “Little Singers of Armenia” choir. Children dressed in Armenian traditional costumes hand over to Pope apricots and Armenian lavash.