Audience with the president of Armenia: special attention to Christian communities and other religious minorities, and to refugees in conflict zones

Vatican City, 19 September 2014 (VIS) – This morning the Holy Father Francis received in Audience the President of the Republic of Armenia, His Excellency Mr. Serzh Sargsyan, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, satisfaction was expressed for the development and strengthening of bilateral relations, highlighting the special role of Christianity in the history and life of Armenian society.

With regard to the regional political situation, it is hoped that complex and hitherto unresolved issues may be overcome through dialogue between all the interested parties. Furthermore, mention was made of the theme of conflict in the Middle East, and trust was expressed in the common efforts of interested nations and religious communities to achieve a peaceful co-existence of peoples throughout the entire region. Special attention was paid to the situation faced by Christian communities and other religious minorities in the area, and to the humanitarian crisis regarding refugees from the affected zones.

Francis prays at St. Mary Major before his trip to Albania

Vatican City, 19 September 2014 (VIS) – Yesterday afternoon the Pope made a private visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray in silence before the image of the Virgin “Salus Populi Romani” on the eve of his apostolic trip to Albania, as he has done before his previous trips to other countries. The Holy Father left a floral tribute before the image and stayed in the Basilica, which was closed to the public, for half an hour.

The Pope to visit Naples on 21 March 2015

Vatican City, 19 September 2014 (VIS) – Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, archbishop of Naples, Italy, announced today that the Holy Father will visit Naples on 21 March 2015, confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. Today is the feast day of St. Januarius, patron of the city.

Audiences

Vatican City, 19 September 2014 (VIS) – Today, the Holy Father received in audience:

- Archbishop Luis Francisco Ladaria Ferrer, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith;

- Archbishop James Patrick Green, apostolic nuncio in Peru;

- Professor Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Sant'Egidio Community;

- Professor Ignazio Marino, mayor of Rome.

Yesterday, Thursday 18 September, the Holy Father received in audience:

- Archbishop Guido Pozzo, secretary of the Pontifical Commission “Ecclesia Dei”;

- Bishop Oscar Vicente Ojea of San Isidro, Argentina;

- A group of cyclists from the “Cruce por la educacion argentina” Association.

Other Pontifical Acts

Vatican City, 19 September 2014 (VIS) – The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Ulrich Neymeyr, auxiliary of the diocese of Mainz, Federal Republic of Germany, as bishop of Erfurt (area 12,000, population 2,188,589, Catholics 152,282, priests 200, permanent deacons 1, religious 240), Federal Republic of Germany.

Notice

Vatican City, 19 September 2014 (VIS) – On Sunday, 21 September, on the occasion of Pope Francis' visit to Tirana, Albania, a special edition of the Vatican Information Service bulletin will be transmitted.