Catholicos Aram I calls for release of Artsakh leaders as he meets Pope Leo

Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia on Monday held a private meeting at the Vatican with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

During the meeting, Aram I first addressed the following issues: the establishment of a common date for Easter, the designation of a commemorative day for all martyrs, and the convening of a Third Vatican Council, emphasizing the urgent necessity of these matters within the life of the universal Christian Church, the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilica reported.

Turning to the issue of Artsakh, His Holiness Aram I stressed the right of the Armenians of Artsakh to return under international guarantees, the preservation of churches and historical monuments in accordance with international law, and the urgent need for the immediate release of the Artsakh leaders currently detained in Baku.

His Holiness also spoke about the current situation in Lebanon, underscoring the sovereignty of the Lebanese state and its authority throughout all Lebanese territories, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the need to uphold the ceasefire agreement. Naturally, he also emphasized the importance of the ecumenical movement, stressing in this context the priority of giving special attention to moral and ethical issues alongside theological questions.