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