POPE WELCOMES KAREKIN I TO THE VATICAN

VATICAN CITY, MAR 25, 1999 (VIS) - Pope John Paul II this morning welcomed His Holiness Karekin I, Catholicos of All the Armenians, and in his speech in French, highlighted the nearly two millennia-old history of Christianity in Armenia. "Thanks to their fidelity to their roots and their tenacity in adversity," he said, "the Armenian people have known how to turn their many sufferings into a source of creativity and dynamism."

The Pope then observed that "soon Christians ... will sing and celebrate the mystery of our redemption. Our faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of our life, our mission and the links of fraternal communion among our Churches. I welcome with satisfaction the progress made in our common search for unity in Christ. ... The regrettable divisions of the past must not continue to bear negatively on the life and witness of our Churches."

"The Catholic Church and the Armenian Church have developed a deep relationship, especially since Vatican Council II," Pope John Paul pointed out. "I wish to especially thank Your Holiness," he added, "for what you have accomplished and are still accomplishing to realize unity among Christians."

The Holy Father then referred to the invitation to visit Armenia, extended to him by both Karekin I and the country's president. "I pray the Lord that he will allow me to make this visit."

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