ADDRESS OF
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I CATHOLICOS OF CILICIA
18 MAY 2026
Your Holiness,
It gives me profound spiritual joy to greet you in the spirit of Christian love and fellowship.
Indeed, long-standing fraternal relations have marked our mutual history. Our bilateral relationship, which included theological discussions, ecumenical visitations, and correspondence, acquired greater emphasis and a broader scope when the center of the Armenian Church was moved from Armenia to Cilicia in the Eleventh Century. The modern ecumenical movement gave a new shape and impetus to our relations by diversifying their context and agenda. The growing engagement of the Catholic Church in the ecumenical movement following the Council of Vatican II, transformed our relationship into collaboration, particularly within the framework of the World Council of Churches and the regional ecumenical councils. I consider the bilateral theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and the family of the Oriental Orthodox Churches of pivotal importance in our common ecumenical endeavors.
In the present time, secularism, with its corrupt ideologies and values and politico-economic forces, with their immoral arrogance are increasingly questioning the integrity and relevance of Christian faith and values. I believe that ecumenical collaboration among churches is of crucial urgency. In the face of these emerging realities, which impact the life, missionary outreach, and pastoral ministry of the church, the churches' ecumenical agenda, in my humble view, should be more holistic and responsive. Therefore, the unity of the church, its missionary engagement, and diakonal action need to be perceived and implemented as one comprehensive whole. In fact, a divided church cannot take credibly and efficiently the Gospel to the world. A united voice and common witness in a polarized world is the call of Christ.
The Armenian Church and particularly the Catholicosate of Cilicia is firmly committed to continue, with renewed efforts, theological dialogue and ecumenical partnership with the Catholic Church.
I would like, on this solemn occasion, to refer, with profound gratitude, indeed, to two vital dimensions pertaining to our collaboration.
First, the Vatican has always supported the Armenian Church and people in their continuous advocacy for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and reparation. In the last decade, the conflict of Artsakh and the legitimate rights of its people for self-determination, have also occupied an important place in the international relations of the Holy See.
Second, Lebanon holds a particular place in the life of Armenians throughout the world. After the Armenian Genocide, the survivors embarked on a process of healing, recovery, and community-building in Lebanon, which has always been considered the heart of the world-wide Armenian Diaspora. In addition to its special importance for Christian communities, Lebanon, with its rich diversity and peaceful co-existence, based on mutual understanding and acceptance, displays a unique significance for Christian-Muslim harmonious co-habitation. In fact, continuous solidarity of the Vatican with Lebanon has been a source of hope and spiritual strength.
As Your Holiness knows, the churches of the Middle East are facing tremendous challenges and deep concerns of existential nature and scope. However, despite the immense difficulties impacting the daily life of people, the churches remain firmly attached to their missionary calling.
My meetings with your blessed predecessors, Pope Saint John-Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis I have provided us with unique opportunities to renew our fraternal love and re-strengthen our ecumenical fellowship. I am confident that this meeting in the presence of our Archbishops representing the diaspora dioceses, will help us re-affirm our common commitment to move forward on the way to the visible unity of the church.
May God lead and protect Your Holiness in your pontifical ministry.
ARAM I
CATHOLICOS OF CILICIA
18 May 2026
Vatican