VATICAN CITY - 12 May 2008 - 170 words
Pope
receives Armenian Church leaders
On Saturday the Pope received His Holiness Karekin II Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. He then met with the
bishops in the patriarch's delegation who were from many countries.
At noon in the Clementine Hall, the Holy Father presided over
the celebration of the Midday Prayers, which was attended by Karekin
II, the Armenian bishops, and a group of Armenians from a number
of countries in the East and West.
After the Patriarch's greeting, the Pope addressed the assembly.
Referring to Pentecost, Benedict XVI affirmed that, on this day,
they would pray in a particular way for the unity of the Church.
"If our hearts and minds are open to the Spirit of communion,
God can work miracles again in the Church, restoring the bonds
of unity. Striving for Christian unity is an act of obedient trust
in the work of the Holy Spirit, who leads the Church to the full
realization of the Father's plan, in conformity with the will
of Christ", he said.
"Thanks to your pastoral leadership,"the glorious light
of Christ shines again in Armenia and the saving words of the
Gospel can be heard once more. Of course, you are still facing
many challenges on social, cultural, and spiritual levels. In
this regard," he added. "I must mention the recent
difficulties suffered by the people of Armenia, and I express
the prayerful support of the Catholic Church in their search for
justice and peace and the promotion of the common good".
Source: Fides
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