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“My visit to Armenia is aimed at reassuring our friendship which characterizes the relations between Armenia and Vatican,” Secretary for Relations with States within the Holy See's Secretariat of State Archbishop Paul Gallagher stated on Saturday at a press briefing with Armenian FM Zohrab Mnatsakanyan.

Archbishop Paul Gallagher reminded that bilateral relations between the Holy See and Armenia were formally established in 1992 yet they had a centuries-long history considering Armenia was the first nation that adopted Christianity as a state religion.

Paul Gallagher spoke of the milestones in Armenia-Vatican relations, including Pope John Paul II trip to Armenia back in 2001 on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity, Francis Pope’s Divine Liturgy at St. Peter's Basilica in memory of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide and the 2016 apostolic journey of Pope Francis to Armenia in 2016.

“I want to stress that our relations are more and comprehensive, covering benevolence, social support, cultural programs, bilateral consultations on a variety of regional and international topics and advancement of Christian values,” Paul Gallagher said.

In the words of Senior Vatican official, the presence of the Catholic church and community in Armenia is aimed at contribution to the prosperity of Armenian public.

To remind, in the scope of the visit, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher held meetings with Armenian president Armen Sarkissian, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.