Pope expresses concern for persecuted Christians, commends Armenian Apostolic Church’s
ecumenical efforts
(November 24, 2008) Pope Benedict XVI on Monday expressed his sadness over the persecution of Christians in the Middle East and elsewhere and wished that the legitimate rights of individuals and peoples in these regions be recognized and respected. “Your Holiness, I cannot fail to assure you of my daily prayers and deep concern for the people of Lebanon and the Middle East,” the Pope said told a delegation of the Armenian Apostolic Church led by Catholicos Aram I of Cilicia, who resides in Antelias, Lebanon. The group is on a visit to Rome during the current Pauline Year that celebrates the 2000th birth anniversary of the St. Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles. “Most recently we have all been saddened by the escalation of persecution and violence against Christians in parts of the Middle East and elsewhere,” Pope said without explicitly mentioning eastern India Orissa state, where since August end Christians have been subject to untold persecution and violence from extremist Hindus. “Only when the countries involved can determine their own destiny, and the various ethnic groups and religious communities accept and respect each other fully, will peace be built on the solid foundations of solidarity, justice and respect for the legitimate rights of individuals and peoples,” he said.
Pope Benedict also commended the efforts of the Armenian Apostolic Church to the cause of Christian unity, saying the resulting understanding, respect and cooperation among the followers of Christ promise much for proclaiming the Gospel in our times.
Catholicos Aram I of Cilicia, heads one of the two sees of the Armenian Apostolic Church, that is not in communion with the Catholic Church headed by the Pope of Rome. The Armenian Apostolic Church is headed by Patriarch Karekin II, who resides in the city of Echmiadzin, in Armenia. In Armenia, there is also the Armenian Catholic Church, which is an Eastern rite Catholic Church in communion with the Pope of Rome.
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