Pashinyan meets with Pope Leo in Vatican

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Pope Leo XIV during his visit to the Holy See on Monday, discussing bilateral ties and regional peace efforts, his office said.

The Pope welcomed Pashinyan’s participation in the canonization ceremony of Archbishop Ignatius Maloyan and six other blesseds, highlighting the strong relations between Armenia and the Vatican and praising the role of the Mekhitarist Congregation of Venice in fostering those ties.

Pashinyan congratulated the pontiff on his election and expressed confidence that under his leadership, dialogue and cooperation between Armenia and the Holy See would continue to deepen.

The two also discussed regional issues, including peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and related humanitarian concerns. Leo XIV commended recent progress and voiced hope for lasting stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus.

Pashinyan reaffirmed his government’s commitment to advancing the peace agenda for the prosperity and sustainable development of the region.