VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI tells Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia of the Armenians: “Surely the growth in understanding, respect and cooperation which has emerged from ecumenical dialogue promises much for the proclamation of the Gospel in our time.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On Monday, November 24, the Holy Father Benedict XVI received His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia of the Armenians, in an audience. After the private audience and that of the Bishops accompanying him, His Holiness Benedict XVI and His Holiness Aram I presided an ecumenical celebration held in the "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel of the Vatican Apostolic Palace. In his address, Benedict XVI recalled that in the encounter and the visit that the Catholicos made to Pope John Paul II in January 1997, and the numerous other contacts and mutual visits that “by God's grace, have led in recent years to closer relations between the Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church.”
The Holy Father then reflected on the fact that, in this Year of St. Paul, the Catholicos “will visit the tomb of the Apostle of the Nations and pray with the monastic community at the basilica erected to his memory. In that prayer, you will be united to the great host of Armenian saints and martyrs, teachers and theologians, whose legacy of learning, holiness and missionary achievements are part of the patrimony of the whole Church... The faith and devotion of the Armenian people have been constantly sustained by the memory of the many martyrs who have borne witness to the Gospel down the centuries. May the grace of that witness continue to shape the culture of your nation and inspire in Christ's followers an ever greater trust in the saving and life-giving power of the Cross.”
At this point in his address, Benedict XVI cited the positive contribution of the Armenian delegates to the contacts made in the last few years on an economic level, hoping that “this dialogue will continue to move forward, since it promises to clarify theological issues which have divided us in the past but now appear open to greater consensus.” The Pope continued: “Surely the growth in understanding, respect and cooperation which has emerged from ecumenical dialogue promises much for the proclamation of the Gospel in our time. Throughout the world Armenians live side by side with the faithful of the Catholic Church. An increased understanding and appreciation of the apostolic tradition which we share will contribute to an ever more effective common witness to the spiritual and moral values without which a truly just and humane social order cannot exist.”
At the close of his address, the Pope expressed his concern for the current situation in the Middle East, saying: “our Holiness, I cannot fail to assure you of my daily prayers and deep concern for the people of Lebanon and the Middle East. How can we not be grieved by the tensions and conflicts which continue to frustrate all efforts to foster reconciliation and peace at every level of civil and political life in the region? Most recently we have all been saddened by the escalation of persecution and violence against Christians in parts of the Middle East and elsewhere. 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.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 25/11/2008)