In continuation of his official visit to the Vatican, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos had meetings with State Secretary, Cardinal Barolin. During the meeting, the Supreme Patriarch talked about the current state of affairs in the Middle East and the challenges facing the Christian communities. The Supreme Patriarch also addressed the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and the Armenians’ struggle for claims and appreciated the Vatican’s support.

Cardinal Barolin shared his concern about the current situation facing the Christians in the Middle East and said the issue will continue to be one of the priorities of the Vatican. The Cardinal also expressed his support to the Armenian people and their just claims.

The Supreme Patriarch also had a meeting with Head of the Division for Oriental Churches of the Vatican, Cardinal Sandri. Having close ties with the Cardinal, the Supreme Patriarch engaged in a friendly conversation with him on the events unfolding in the Middle East and particularly Lebanon. His Holiness stressed the need of bringing a new sweep to the inter-church partnership within the Council of Churches in the Middle East, one of the presidents of which is the Supreme Patriarch.

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