The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said Francis always speaks of the need for reconciliation and that his declaration of a genocide must be taken in the context of recognizing a past horror to then move on in friendship and reconciliation. Lombardi denied that the Vatican’s diplomatic speechwriters had intentionally left the word out, saying they had intentionally left it up to the pope to decide what to say.
In an address to Armenia’s president and the diplomatic corps, Francis used the Armenian term ‘Metz Yeghern’ (the great evil), but then added to his prepared text “that genocide” to refer to what he also called “the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century”.
Most non-Turkish scholars of the events regard them as genocide. Among the other states which formally recognise them as genocide are Argentina, Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, Russia and Uruguay.
“Sadly, that tragedy, that genocide, was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century, made possible by twisted racial, ideological or religious aims that darkened the minds of the tormentors even to the point of planning the annihilation of entire peoples,” Pope Francis mentioned in his speech at the Presidential Palace.
Styopa Safaryan, political scientist, considers visit of the Pope to Armenia a historical event of utmost importance, particularly, when the Pope mentions in his political and religious message how crucial Armenia is for the Christian world.
The Central Bank of Armenia issued a commemorative medal dedicated to Pope Francis’ visit to Armenia, the slogan of which is “Visit to the first Christian Nation”, press service of the CBA informed reported. In 301 the Christianity became the state religion in Armenia which is associated with the name of St. Gregory the Illuminator.
Today, Armenia still aspires for peace. In any event, we prefer peaceful negotiation to shooting. We are ready for peaceful regional coexistence, as hard as the road to peace may be. It is perhaps because durable peace is based upon the idea of people’s freedom and free expression of will.
We give glory and thanks to God, as we welcome you, and the delegation accompanying you today, with brotherly love and prayer in this holy cathedral, where the Only-Begotten Son descended. We are deeply touched that per Our invitation You have visited Armenia, to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Naturally, importance of Great Britain wasn’t and won’t be limited by membership to the EU and leaving it. Great Britain has a great impact in our region—the South Caucasus, and pursues both big economic and energy, as well as geo-political interests, which in different periods are expressed by sharpness or visibility of various degree, however, they have always been existent.
Pope Francis has arrived in Yerevan. President Serzh Sargsyan and Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Garegin II welcomed the Pope in the “Zvartnots Armenia” International Airport.
